Gandhinagar: In an unexpected political development, Gujarat Chief minister Vijay Rupani on Saturday submitted his resignation to Governor Acharya Devvrat at Raj Bhavan. After submitting his resignation, Rupani told reporters that he is thankful to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership who gave him an opportunity to serve as CM of the state.
Ruppani ducked the questions of sudden resignation, saying he served as the Chief Minister for five years, which is a long time. He further said that this is normal in BJP. Rupani said he will continue his work under the leadership of BJP national president adding that people continued to have faith in the BJP during the last five years.
Rupani was appointed as the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2016 in place of Anandiben Patel. He completed his 5 years of his tenure last month. However, it is not yet clear that who will be the next chief minister of the state. Many names including Parshottam Rupala, Mansukh Mandaviya are doing rounds for the top post.
Why Vijay Rupani Resigned?
Speculation about Vijay Rupani's resignation had been rife for long. A programme was also held on the completion of five years of Rupani as CM. However, sources said that the state organisation's report was against Rupani. Assembly elections are due in Gujarat next year. However, the report said that victory in the election under the leadership of Rupani was not possible. Two days ago BL Santhosh was sent to Gandhinagar.
After Vijay Rupani's resignation, political analyst Pradeep Singh said Rupani was made chief minister when Anandiben Patel was removed from the CM post. Since then it was clear that this is a 'stop gap' arrangement as Rupani is not touted as a mass leader or a charismatic leader.
Singh also said the BJP understood it in the 2017 at the time of assembly elections. The Prime Minister himself had to go to the polls. After that it was clear that Vijay Rupani would not stay for the CM post for a very long time.