Gujarat CM replaced as govt machinery crumbled in state: Saamana editorial

The editorial said that the move to replace the CM was to appease the powerful Patidar community. It added that the change of guard was also done to counter the anti-incumbency against Rupani ahead of 2022 state polls

A day after Bhupendra Patel took charge as chief minister of Gujarat, Shiv Sena asked why the CM was changed overnight if the state was on the path of development and progress. An editorial in Sena mouthpiece Saamana said the “bubble” of the Gujarat model of development has burst.

(From left) Bhupendra Patel with Vijay Rupani who he succeeded as the chief minister of Gujarat. (File photo)

Patel, a first time MLA, was chosen to replace Vijay Rupani, then CM, who resigned past Saturday. The state elections are due late 2022.

The editorial said that the move to replace the CM was to appease the powerful Patidar community. It added that the change of guard was also done to counter the anti-incumbency against Rupani ahead of 2022 state polls. There was an overall resentment towards the government over Covid-19 management, rising unemployment, and disrupted economy, the editorial said.

“The government machinery has clearly crumbled during Covid where funeral pyres were burning in every village. There was resentment among people that the government was helpless and silently watching the dead being cremated.

BJP spokespersons say they do not respond to Saaamna editorials as a party policy.