Nitin Patel Rubbishes Speculations Of Being Upset After Bhupendra Patel Selected As Next Gujarat CM

"I am not bothered about speculations. Bhupendrabhai is our own. He invited me to inaugurate his office as an MLA. He is my friend. I don't care what people say or think." Nitin Patel said.

New Delhi: As first-time MLA Bhupendra Patel will be sworn in as the 17th Chief Minister of the state of Gujarat. Former Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel is said to have been expecting that he would be selected for the top role. However, he has said that he is not upset with the BJP's decision to select Bhupendra Patel.

Amid speculation that he was unhappy with Bhupendra Patel being chosen as the next CM, Nitin Patel, during an address to a gathering in his home turf Mehsana on Sunday, said he has seen many ups and downs, and asserted that nobody can "throw him out" as he lives in people's heart.

"There were many things running on TV when I was coming here. I want to tell you that till I am in the hearts of my people, voters and party workers, no one can throw me out. I was in opposition (during Congress rule) for a considerable time in the past," he said according to PTI. 

"I am not bothered about speculations. Bhupendrabhai is our own. He invited me to inaugurate his office as an MLA. He is my friend. I don't care what people say or think. But, I am not in danger. Why? Because of you. I owe my existence to you" Patel told the audience.

When reporters asked him on Monday if he was upset with the party's decision to select Bhupendra Patel as the next CM, Patel said, "Not at all. All this is your (media's) speculation....You (media) keep (saying this) because this is your profession."

The BJP leader said he has been associated with the party from the Jana Sangh days since he was 18 years old, and asserted that he will continue to remain with the party.

"Whether I get any position or not is not a big deal for me. What matters is people's love and respect. We are all brothers and sisters. Whoever has been selected as the next CM is one of our own, and we will continue to work together," Nitin Patel said, adding that he continues to remain a BJP worker, as the position is not important for him.

Bhupendra Patel called on the deputy chief minister at his residence on Monday morning. While speaking to reporters after the meeting, Nitin Patel said the CM-designate and he are friends and they share family relations.

He said he has known Bhupendra Patel for a long time and had even inaugurated his MLA office in Ghatlodia after he won from that Assembly constituency.

"The party has given me big positions. I am ready to do whatever is required from me for the party, my community, party workers, or anybody in Gujarat," said Nitin Patel.