Keshubhai Patel, PM Modi’s Guru Turned Adversary Passes Away

Keshubhai could not complete the term of the Chief Minister both times due to the coup. In 2001, instead of him, Narendra Modi took oath as CM.

Ahmedabad| Former Chief Minister of Gujarat Keshubhai Patel died at the age of 92. He was rushed to the hospital on Thursday morning due to difficulty in breathing where he took his last breath. He had also tested positive for COVID-19 recently but recovered. Keshubhai was the Chief Minister of Gujarat twice. On 30 September, he was re-elected president of the Somnath Temple Trust.

Unable to complete the Chief Minister’s term both times

Keshubhai could not complete the term of the Chief Minister both times due to the coup. In 2001, instead of him, Narendra Modi took oath as CM. Modi also considers him his political mentor. On becoming the Prime Minister, he also said that the real command of the state is in the hands of Keshubhai.

Keshubhai mentored and groomed many younger Karyakartas including me. Everyone loved his affable nature. His demise is an irreparable loss. We are all grieving today. My thoughts are with his family and well-wishers. Spoke to his son Bharat and expressed condolences. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/p9HF3D5b7y

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 29, 2020

Political journey

Keshubhai Patel started as a Jana Sangh activist in the 1960s. He was one of its founding members. In 1975, the Jan Sangh-Congress (O) alliance came to power in Gujarat. Keshubhai Patel was elected to the Lok Sabha from Rajkot in 1977 after the Emergency. He later resigned and was the Agriculture Minister in Babubhai Patel’s Janata Morcha government from 1978 to 1980. He was involved in relief work after the 1979 Machhu Dam accident, which devastated Morbi.

Keshubhai travelled across the length and breadth of Gujarat to strengthen the Jana Sangh and BJP. He resisted the Emergency tooth and nail. Issues of farmer welfare were closest to his heart. Be it as MLA, MP, Minister or CM, he ensured many farmer friendly measures were passed. pic.twitter.com/qvXxG0uHvo

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 29, 2020

Keshubhai Patel won the assembly elections between 1978 and 1995 from Kalawad, Gondal and Viswadwar. In 1980, when the Jan Sangh Party was dissolved, he became the senior organizer of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He organized an election campaign against the Indian National Congress and under his leadership, the BJP won the 1995 assembly elections.

Condolences pour in

Condolences have started poring in after the Death of former Gujarat CM and veteran politician. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took it to Twitter and shared his three pictures along with tweets. He said, “Our beloved and respected Keshubhai has passed away…I am deeply pained and saddened. He was an outstanding leader who cared for every section of society. His life was devoted towards the progress of Gujarat and the empowerment of every Gujarati.”

Our beloved and respected Keshubhai has passed away…I am deeply pained and saddened. He was an outstanding leader who cared for every section of society. His life was devoted towards the progress of Gujarat and the empowerment of every Gujarati. pic.twitter.com/pmahHWetIX

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 29, 2020

Hardik Patel, the patidar leader who rose to prominence allegedly supported by Keshubhai Patel to create a leader opposite to BJP in Modi’s home Turf paid tribute to the veteran leader.

गुजरात की राजनीति में महत्वपूर्ण ज़िम्मेदारी निभाने वाले, प्रदेश के पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री, किसान नेता श्री केशुभाई पटेल का निधन मुझे दुखी कर रहा हैं। भगवान उनकी आत्मा को शांति दें एवं परिवार को इस दुःख की घड़ी में हिम्मत दें। केशुबापा ने मुझे सामाजिक मज़बूती देने में अहम रोल निभाया।

— Hardik Patel (@HardikPatel_) October 29, 2020

He tweeted, “I am saddened by the demise of Shri Keshubhai Patel, the former Chief Minister of the state, who played a significant responsibility in the politics of Gujarat. May his soul rest in peace and give courage to the family in this hour of grief. Keshubapa played an important role in giving me social strength.”