Shiv Sena hits out at 'Gujarat Model' in its editorial mouthpiece 'Saamna'

In a fresh attack, the editorial asks why BJP has chosen the first-time MLA Bhupendra Patel for the role of Gujarat CM, despite having many stalwart leaders in the party. The editorial also took a dig at the Gujarat Model of Development.

Hyderabad: Shiv Sena's mouthpiece Saamna has unleashed yet another criticism against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In its editorial, Saamna has questioned the appointment of first-time MLA Bhupendra Patel as Gujarat CM, while taking a dig at the Gujarat Model of development.

"The Gujarat model of democracy, governance and development has suddenly burst like a bubble. If the state of Gujarat was heading on the path of development and progress, why was there a need to change the chief minister overnight like this? Similarly, the Chief Ministers of Uttarakhand, Karnataka were also changed a few days back. There are indications of change in Madhya Pradesh as well.

"Change in leadership is an internal matter of that party. However, when a state is upended to prove a 'model' of development or progress, then a sudden change of leadership creates doubts in the minds of the people. Now the burden of Gujarat has fallen on Bhupendra Patel. There are assembly elections throughout the year. Narendra Modi will have to fight to keep Patel ahead. Is this called Gujarat Model?" read the editorial.

"From Nitin Patel to Praful Patel Khoda, and many senior Patel leaders were there. What is the reason for making Bhupendra Patel the chief minister? He was not even made an ordinary minister in the last 4 years. He directly became the Chief Minister. The name came from Delhi and was accepted by the BJP Legislature Party. But giving shock and giving power in the hands of people who do not live in much glare is the mechanism of Modi's politics," the editorial stated.

It added that Patidars dominate the political economy with a stronghold over education and several other sectors, also they have potential influence on the vote bank.

According to Sena, the BJP has made the change in order to pacify the Patidar community which is unhappy.