Anandiben Patel had an enviable track record as Minister and political activist. She should now leave her mark as the Chief Minister
Ms Anandiben Patel, who became first woman Chief Minister of Gujarat after Mr Narendra Modi shifted to the Centre as Prime Minister, is slowly and steadily strengthening her grip on the Government as well as the party. Ms Patel has had a long political career, and the story of her entry into politics is interesting. During a school picnic in 1987, two girl students from her school accidentally tripped over and fell into the river Narmada. She jumped into the raging river and single-handedly saved the drowning girls. For her brave act, she was felicitated and awarded the President's bravery award.
Impressed by this heroic act, a BJP top cadre suggested Ms Patel join the party. Initially, she declined the offer but later on while volunteering for the drought relief programme, she realised that politics can serve as a means of service to people and joined the BJP as the Gujarat Pradesh Mahila Morcha president in 1987. Since then, she has not looked back. She was elected as a Rajya Sabha member in 1994 and fought elections under the leadership of Mr Narendra Modi in 2002 and 2007 from Patan constituency. In the last Assembly election she fought from Ghatlodiya constituency of Ahmedabad.
Her first notable work was during the spread of bird flu in Viramgam district, affecting children. She spent weeks helping local citizens and directing Government officials to take strong action. In 1992, she was the only woman leader from Gujarat in the Ekta Yatra led by Mr Murli Manohar Joshi.
Taking oath as the 15th Chief Minister of Gujarat on May 22, she has fixed up a 100 days’ agenda for a ‘progressive Gujarat’ to focus on 11 major people-oriented issues, which include women empowerment, nutritious Gujarat, cleanliness campaign and a recruitment calendar. Recently, on the eve of Raksha Bandhan, she appealed to the people living in rural areas to ensure proper sanitation for their sisters, daughters and daughters-in-law. She said, “As a brother, I expect you to put your might behind restoring respect and safety to the women of the homes. I demand and request you to build a toilet in your village.”
In her 100-day tenure, Ms Patel has never made any promises or showed unrealisable dreams to the people of Gujarat, but has worked silently to effectively implement people-oriented schemes in a timely and successful fashion. The BJP has a majority in the Assembly and has also won all the 26 seats in the last lok Sabha election. With the strong backing of Prime Minister Modi and no rivalry within the party or outside the party, she has the opportunity to do wonders for Gujarat.
Her first big challenge is to organise the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2015 under her direct supervision for the first time. Only time will tell how well she performs. The pressure will be high as it is believed that seven Prime Ministers from different countries will be attending this mega event and Mr Modi will inaugurate it. let’s see how many memorandums of understanding, and of what amount, will be signed this year.
Her multi-talented personality and dynamic nature are her assets. In a male-dominated society, she wants the women of her State to be empowered.