Eight Gujarat BJP leaders appointed in Board/Corporations

Chief Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi, today on the eve of Republic Day, issued appointment orders for the post of Chairman and Senior Office Bearer for eight important Boards and Corporations run by Gujarat government. Here is the list of appointed dignitaries.

Former Cabinet minister and BJP’s national executive member from Gujarat Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasama is appointed Vice Chairman of Gujarat state planning commission. Modi is Chairman of this body. Shri Chudasama had lost Dholka assembly election in 2007. If he was elected, he could be the third senior most minister in Modi cabinet. Chudasama’s work for party’s organization and his extensive tours during several by-elections are rewarded lately by his appointment.

Former central minister of state and former Rajkot Lokasabha MP Shri Vallabhbhai Kathiria is Chairman Gujarat Gau Seva Ayog. Kathiria is RSS man and once his name was discussed as possible Patel Chief Minister of the state, but he was sidelined in politics due to his open support to Keshubhai Patel and anti-BJP work behind curtain during 2007 assembly poll. Kathiria had later apologized for his such stand and was back to Modi’s camp. However his candidature for Rajkot Lok sabha seat was not renewed. The party gave ticket to a completely new person on Rajkot seat and was defeated by Congress.

Former Rajya Sabha member from north Gujarat Shri Jayantibhai Barot is Chariman, Gujarat Housing Board. Barot was not renewed to Rajya Sabha after his term ended. He is Modi’s man active in party’s organization.

Former Modi cabinet minister Shri Kaushikbhai Patel is Acting Chairman of 20 point agenda implementation committee. Chairman of this body is Chief Minister Modi himself. Kaushikbhai had lost Shahpur assembly election in Ahmedabad in 2007 due to migration of Hindus, and increased Muslim population. The Muslims overwhelmingly voted for Congress. Patel is one of the BJP leaders very close to Modi. You can spot him watching Gujarati play in Thakorbhai Desai hall late in the evening with Modi. Modi wanted him to choose as candidate for Ahmedabad East Lok Sabha seat, but Sushma Swaraj and Advani insisted for renewal of Harin Pathak’s candidature. Pathak was selected, contested and won. Patel is now rehabilitated.

Former MLA of Palitana and veterinary doctor Shri Mansukhbhai Mandavia is Chairman of Gujarat Agricultural Industries Corporation.

Ex MLA from Jamnagar’s Jodiya Purushottambhai Bhojani is new Chairman of Jamnagar Urban Development Authority. Once Bhojani was elected MLA from Jodiya, but he was not given ticket in 2007, and a new candidate replaced him. The new candidate was Jamnagar’s Municipal Commissioner who had resigned to fight election on BJP ticket replacing Bhojani, however he lost the election. It is interesting to note that Jamnagar is an area where BJP has not been successful to win Lok Sabha election for last two terms. Modi wants to create maximum local BJP leaders in Jamnagar. While R.C.Faldu MLA from this district has been made Gujarat BJP President, Vasuben Trivedi MLA from Jamnagar was made minister in last expansion of Gujarat cabinet.

BJP state executive member Punambhai Makwana is appointed Chairman of Bechar Swami Ati Pachhat Jati Vikas Board. Poonambhai is from Gandhinagar district. This is third appointment in Board/corporation from this district. Earlier Modi had appointed former district President Ashok Bhavsar as GUDA Chairman, and Milind Gupte as Aadijati Vikas Nigam’s Director.

Former minister of state for Home Shri Mahendra Trivedi is appointed Chairman of Pavitra Yatradham Vikas Board. Trivedi was not active in politics after he was sidelined due to impression of a person of Keshubhai Patel’s group.