NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Shashi Tharoor
    Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
    Arvind Kejriwal
    Mamata Banerjee
    Nitin Gadkari
    Rahul Gandhi
    Indian National Congress (INC)
    NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout


    India Business World Politics Sports Technology Entertainment Auto Lifestyle Inspirational Career Bengaluru Delhi Mumbai Visual Stories Find Cricket Statistics Phones Reviews Fitness Bands Reviews Speakers Reviews

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
     
    Home / News / Politics News / Anandiben Patel: Won't contest 2017 Gujarat Assembly elections
    Politics

    Anandiben Patel: Won't contest 2017 Gujarat Assembly elections

    Anandiben Patel: Won't contest 2017 Gujarat Assembly elections
    Written by Krunali Shah
    Oct 09, 2017, 08:23 pm 3 min read
    Anandiben Patel: Won't contest 2017 Gujarat Assembly elections
    Credits

    Former CM Anandiben Patel has written to BJP president Amit Shah that she won't be contesting the 2017 Gujarat Assembly elections. She cited the "75-year age criterion" as the reason for her refusal. Anandiben had succeeded Narendra Modi as CM after he was made PM in 2014. Consequently, she had resigned in 2016. How has Anandiben's journey in BJP progressed? Know more!

    Anandiben entered politics accidentally

    Before entering politics, Anandiben taught science and mathematics to higher secondary students and was also Mohinaba Vidyalaya's principal. Her entry into politics was accidental. In 1987, she was given the President's bravery award for rescuing two female students from drowning. Due to the recognition that followed, BJP senior leadership suggested her to join the party. She was made the Gujarat BJP's women wing's president.

    Anandiben rises in Gujarat BJP

    In 1994, Anandiben was elected as an RS MP from Gujarat. In 1998, Anandiben contested her first Assembly elections from Mandal. This led to her appointment in then-Gujarat CM Kesubhai Patel's cabinet in the ministries of education and women and child welfare. Subsequently, under Modi's chief-ministership, Anandiben's responsibilities grew as she was made in-charge of various departments ranging from revenue to urban housing.

    From being second-in-command to in command

    Anandiben and Amit Shah had high proximity with PM Modi. She was seen as second-in-command and when Modi was out of the state, she was "the one virtually in charge." Their proximity was such that her estranged husband Mafatlal Patel had written to then-PM AB Vajpayee complaining about Modi's influence on her. She thus succeeded Modi as CM in 2014.

    As CM, Anandiben faced some tough situations

    Anandiben was known as a "tough, no-nonsense task master" like her predecessor. She is credited for improving the state's schools and infrastructure. But, after becoming CM, she faced flak for failing to handle the attacks on Dalits by "gau-rakshaks" and the Patidar agitation led by Hardik Patel, demanding reservation. Under her, BJP faced heavy losses in the municipal elections in over a decade.

    Anandiben steps down as CM

    Apart from the issues enumerated above, News 18 reports that Anandiben faced allegations of nepotism as it was assumed that her children were running a parallel government and a fraught relationship with the bureaucracy. She also faced opposition from within the party and didn't get along with Shah. She resigned in 2016, making way for Vijay Rupani, considered Shah's man, to become CM.

    Now, Anandiben decides not to contest elections

    Citing the age factor, Anandiben has said that she would like to work as a "margdarshak" and not contest elections. Further, she urged Shah to nominate a local BJP worker from her constituency Ghatlodiya based on meritocracy to run for 2017 Gujarat Assembly polls.

    What does this mean for BJP in Gujarat?

    Anandiben's refusal to not contest elections might not affect BJP as she was not considered a mass leader. However, they will lose a straightforward and tough administrator. Winning their bastion, Gujarat, is critical for BJP. With AAP and Congress in the fray and BJP facing anti-incumbency and lack of a dominant political leader like Modi, the year-end Gujarat elections will be eagerly awaited.

    Share this timeline
    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Latest
    Narendra Modi
    Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)
    Gujarat
    Elections

    Latest

    Uttar Pradesh: Death penalty to Gorakhnath Temple attacker National Investigation Agency (NIA)
    Acer launches AMD-powered Aspire 3 laptop at Rs. 48,000 Acer
    Marie Kondo has given up on cleanliness; we aren't surprised Lifestyle
    Hero Xoom launched in India at Rs. 68,600: Check features Hero MotoCorp

    Narendra Modi

    Congress's Jairam Ramesh reacts to S Jaishankar's 'China 1962' remark Congress Party
    Odisha Health Minister Naba Kisore Das's last rites today Odisha
    Modi documentary: SC to hear petitions challenging ban next week Supreme Court Of India
    Amid BBC row, Modi warns against 'attempts to create divisions' Delhi

    Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)

    Delhi to get new mayor today, weeks after AAP-BJP clash Delhi
    Your statements are misleading, derogatory: Delhi L-G writes to Kejriwal Delhi
    AAP MLA shows cash in Assembly, claims contractor bribed him Delhi
    Delhi: AAP marches against L-G Saxena denouncing interference in governance Delhi Government

    Gujarat

    Morbi bridge collapse: Police names Oreva Group MD as accused Morbi
    Gujarat: Car hits motorcycle, drags biker's dead body for 12km Surat
    2002 Gujarat riots: 22 accused of killing 17 Muslims acquitted 2002 Gujarat Riots
    Moscow-Goa flight diverted to Uzbekistan amid bomb threat Goa

    Elections

    Chris Hipkins sworn in as New Zealand's 41st Prime Minister New Zealand
    Himachal Pradesh: Sukhvinder Sukhu government reinstates Old Pension Scheme Himachal Pradesh
    Brazil: Bolsonaro supporters' 'mega protest' fizzles as authorities bolster security Brazil
    Madhya Pradesh: Karni Sena's agitation in Bhopal enters fourth day Karni Sena

    Love Politics News?

    Subscribe to stay updated.

    Politics Thumbnail
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2023