October 7 is the date which changed the fate of Gujarat’s two giant political leaders in two opposite directions. In the year 2001 on the same day, Narendra Modi replaced his bete noire Keshubhai as Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Since then Modi’s continuously progressed northward and elevated as prime ministerial candidate of the BJP over a period of 12 years. On the other hand, Patel’s clout in Gujarat BJP diminished. He came out publicly against Modi and ultimately left the saffron brigade and founded new political outfit ‘Gujarat Parivartan Party’ along with his close aide Gordhan Zadaphia and ex-CM Suresh Mehta.
On Monday, Modi operated from his residence. The Gujarat Chief Minister is on fast for nine days during Navratri and preferred to meet selected people only. Though Patel also preferred to remain at his residence in Gandhinagar, but he convened an important meeting of GPP leaders amid rumours that he plans to rejoin the BJP along with senior GPP leaders.
However, GPP general secretary Gordhan Zadaphia clarified that in the meeting they discussed about strengthening party’s position across the State in view of the upcoming lok Sabha elections. He termed GPP’s merger with BJP as rumour and his party is determine to provide an alternative to the people of Gujarat.