Ahmedabad, 16 October - Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah's recent meeting with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and State BJP President CR Patil during his three-day visit to Gujarat has ignited speculation about possible political developments in the state.
As part of his extensive Gujarat tour, Union Minister Amit Shah arrived in Ahmedabad on 13 October, embarking on a series of engagements. On 14 October, he attended various programs and even graced the World Cup cricket match between India and Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Continuing his tour, Shah participated in events in his parliamentary constituency, Gandhinagar, on 15 October, including a vibrant Garba ceremony held at Ramkatha Maidan.
The highlight of his visit, however, was a late-night meeting with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and State BJP President CR Patil at a Gandhinagar bungalow. Besides these prominent leaders, several other party officials were in attendance. During this crucial meeting, discussions revolved around restructuring the state organization, including the appointment of two vacant General Secretary positions, which became vacant following the resignations of Bhargav Bhatt and Pradeep Singh Jadeja.
State BJP President CR Patil has set an ambitious target of securing all 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat for the BJP for the third consecutive time. He has called upon party workers to rally and win these seats with substantial margins, aiming for victory by a margin of 5 lakh votes. As per the agency report, the BJP high command may rest the entire responsibility for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on his shoulders. To bolster Patil's position, two individuals closely aligned with him may be appointed as General Secretaries in the organization. Furthermore, there are speculations of a cabinet reshuffle in the state government.
With approximately one and a half to two months left before the government completes one year in office, discussions are ongoing about replacing ministers whose performance has been deemed unsatisfactory. New appointments to ministerial positions are also under consideration. Party workers may be entrusted with significant responsibilities in central institutions, boards, and corporations. The recent visits of RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale to Gujarat have added to the political buzz, further intensifying the anticipation of changes within the BJP in the state.
