Give 'new people' a chance in 2017 Gujarat polls: Anandiben Patel to BJP

NEW DELHI: Former Gujarat chief minister Anandiben Patel has written to BJP President Amit Shah, requesting that "new people" be given a chance to contest the 2017 polls in the state, instead of her.

In a letter, dated October 4, Patel cited her age as the reason behind her decision, while urging that the party field meritorious and winnable candidates. She is 75.



Just last week, Shah called on Patel at her Gandhinagar home, in a visit that is being seen as politically significant.

According to sources, Shah attempted to convince her to participate in the election campaign actively. There is speculation that without her support, especially in the patidar community, it will be difficult for the party to reach its target of 150+ assembly seats.

Patel succeeded Narendra Modi to become the first woman chief minister of the state in 2014, but resigned in August 2016 in the wake of the party's drubbing in the local self-government elections and the Patidar agitation.

Patel, who represents the Ghatlodia constituency, joined the BJP in 1987, and became a legislator in the late 1990s.


(With inputs from agencies)