Ahmedabad: While replying media queries, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel today rejected speculations that he was upset due to election of Bhupendra Patel as new Chief Minister and said party has given him all.

When asked whether he was pained for not made Chief Minister, Nitin Patel said, ‘my party has given me so much that I can not describe even. Even I have denied tickets to party workers for the elections of MLA, MP and Civic bodies. So party has to take decisions. It can’t happen that you give everything to everyone. Whatever party thought right to do for its present and future, the party decided accordingly. I am such a seasoned party worker. I have taught it to thousands of party workers, then when it comes to myself, it is my responsibility to accept party’s decision.’

Patel said, ‘I was given ticket in 1990 to contest the assembly election when there were others seeking it. The party has given me honor to stay in cabinet for longest term. The party has given me several ministerial portfolios. Party has given me so much. None was given cabinet berths like I was given. I am happy that I worked with veteran leader Keshubhai Patel who was one of the founders of Jan Sangh. I was minister in Narendra Modi and Anandiben Patel governments too. I am in parliamentary board, and in all committees of party. The party has given me all. I am indebted to party.

When asked whether he will be continued as Deputy Chief Minister, Nitin Patel replied, ‘people say I am media friendly, but that doesn’t mean you ask everything to me only. Give chance to others also, there are prominent leaders, you may leave something to ask to them also’.

Patel clarified that after congratulating Bhupendra Patel for his elevation, he left State party headquarters Shri Kamalam with other party leaders and after taking permission from State party incharge Bhupendra Yadav, he left for pre-scheduled major inauguration programme in his constituency Mahesana. Patel had in his address at Mahesana asked around 2,000 attendees to give standing ovation to wish new Chief Minister designate Bhupendra Patel and said that he is a friend and neighbor and his MLA was inaugurated by him. Nitin Patel also told the people that Bhupendra Patel is ‘one of us’. It’s worth noting that both Nitin Patel and Bhupendra Patel belong to Kadva Patidar community. As Bhupendra Patel has been made Chief Minister, there’s all possibility that the other Kadva Patel will not be continued in the post of Deputy Chief Minister. Nitin Patel told media persons today that he was going to receive Home minister Amit Shah at the airport today. Amit Shah is scheduled to arrive in Gujarat to attend Bhupendra Patel’s swearing in as Chief Minister today post 2.20 pm in Gandhinagar. DeshGujarat