Surat: C R Paatil once again dropped a hint on Saturday that he was stepping down as the the state unit president of the BJP. He was addressing a gathering of BJP workers and supporters in the city.
Paatil said that the process to appoint new bodies had begun and congratulated his successor in advance. "I thank party workers for making my exit memorable by winning the Vav assembly seat in the by-election. If we had lost Vav, it would have pierced like a thorn in my heart. But lakhs of workers like you made the victory a certainty,'' he said.
In the past, Paatil had hinted in public that he wished to step down.
"During my tenure, I wanted to ensure that one person must hold one post. I am standing here in front of you with three posts: MP, Union cabinet minister, and state party president," he said.
"I made a representation twice to party leaders to give the responsibility to others. Now I think things are moving in that direction with speed, and a decision will be taken soon. We are receiving instructions for the formation of new bodies," he added.
Paatil claimed that the party will move forward with new responsibilities for the youth. "I congratulate them in advance who get the opportunity. I thank those who worked with me during my tenure as party president," he said.