File photo of RC Faldu, when he became party president first time and felicitated by Modi

By our correspondent, Ahmedabad, 2 April 2013

Shri Ranchhodbhai Faldu (RC Faldu) has been repeated as new President of Gujarat BJP. This is his second term. Faldu filled up nomination form for the post of state unit party president today morning at Gujarat BJP headquarters. Parshottam Rupala was present on this occasion with Faldu, and he supported Faldu’s candidature.

Faldu is Leuva Patel by caste, and hails from Saurashtra region. Three factors considered responsible for Faldu’s appointment are; (1) He is from Saurashtra and Saurashtra region has contributed a lot to BJP’s victory in the assembly election. The Chief Minister is from North Gujarat, (2) He is Leuva Patel by caste and Leuva Patels from Saurashtra have contributed lot to BJP’s victory in the state. Patels or Patidars play important role in victory of party. They are loyal supporter of BJP. The Chief Minister is however from other caste, therefore for balancing the things, it is good to make someone from Patidars as organizational head, (3) General impression from outside about RC Faldu is that he is a rubber stamp, spark-less, low profile, no-nuisance. Such qualities favor his chances, as he will be always loyal, easy to control person. Modi and RSS man Bhikhubhai will continue to be in command, which is good in a way, as it would ensure smooth running of the party.

Faldu lost assembly election last year in Jamnagar district, where he has spent his entire political life. Due to new delimitation, his well nurtured Kalavad seat turned into a reserve seat. Faldu therefore shifted to Jamnagar Rural seat where local Congress man Raghavjibhai Patel defeated him by 3304 votes.

Addressing the media after his re-election, RC Faldu said that getting highest seats in Lok Sabha election next year will be his target with the support of 43 lakh party workers in Gujarat and blessings of central leadership of party.

Faldu didn’t take questions in this press conference, and said ‘thank you’ and walked away, which suits him perfectly, considering his poor skill in replying questions asked by journalists correctly.