Leaving Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel 'unhappy'', first-time MLA Bhupendra Patel was on Monday sworn-in as the 17th Chief Minister of Gujarat by Governor Acharya Devvrat in place of Vijay Rupani, who resigned a year ahead of next Assembly elections in the State.
The 59-year-old Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel, the first Ahmedabadi Chief Minister of Gujarat, is also a first-time MLA, first-time Minister and first 'Kadva Patel' to take the CM's chair seat.
He will announce his Cabinet after two-day, sources said.
This is the fourth change of Chief Minister in the BJP-ruled States after shifting of B S Yediyurappa (Karnataka) and -Tirath Singh Rawat- and Trivendra Singh Rawat (Uttarakhand).
The hand-picking by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of a lightweight 'Patidar' for the top post has made Deputy-Chief Minister Nitin Patel, a many-time hot contender for the top post "unhappy'' and disgruntled.
The new Chief Minister met Nitin Patel, also a 'patidar' leader, to soothe his ruffled feathers.
Patel was sworn-in in the presence of union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Modi congratulated Patel saying, "I have known him for years and have seen his exemplary work, be it in the BJP Organisation or in civic administration and community service. He will certainly enrich Gujarat's growth trajectory.".
Madhya Pradesh and Goa Chief Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Pramod Sawant were on stage for the oath-taking ceremony of Patel.
Nitin Patel did not try to hide his hurt feelings for being sidelined as a CM candidate and said while addressing a gathering in his home turf Mehsana on Sunday, that he had seen many ups and downs, and asserted that nobody can "throw him out" as he lives in people's heart.
The outgoing CM Rupani, however, kept his own counsel and dismissed opposition barb on the Modi-government for removing him.
"I do not care what the opposition has to say....this sort of a smooth transition of power is possible only within the BJP....I will continue to work for the party," said Former Gujarat CM.
On his part Modi said that former Rupani worked tirelessly for all sections of the society.
"During his five years as CM, Vijay Rupani Ji has undertaken many people-friendly measures. He worked tirelessly for all sections of society. I am certain he will continue to contribute to public service in the times to come," said Prime Minister.
Rupani who comes from a numerically smaller community of Jains, was said to have been found short of expectations while handling the Covid19 pandemic in the state.