Political circles are abuzz with rumours of Anar Patel, the daughter of former Gujarat Chief Minister and Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, taking a plunge in electoral politics. The whispers became louder when she visited Khodaldham to meet Naresh Patel, the trust’s chairman.
Khodaldham is the epicentre of Gujarat politics. It serves as a unifying force for the Patels, known for their wealth and power. Now that the KHAM (Kshatriya, Harijan, Adivasi, Muslim) coalition of Congress veteran, Madhavsinh Singh Solanki, seems irrelevant, the Patels have emerged as a political force in Gujarat.
It may be recalled that Anandiben carved out her niche in the state despite the overpowering presence of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. She had quit the CM’s post in 2016, following a deterioration in the political climate around her. It was a time Hardik Patel had catapulted to the political centre stage, spearheading the Patidar agitation for Other Backward Classes (OBC) status in their community.
Hardik Patel, who would fondly address Anandiben as ‘Foi’, is now with the BJP after a stint with the Congress.
So, is the wind blowing in a different direction? It’s believed Anar Patel, who hails from Kharod village in Vijapur Taluka in Mehsana, is being groomed by Anandiben, away from the world’s gaze. Her visit to the BJP leader AK Patel’s office in Mehsana gave grist to the rumour mills.
Should Anar Patel enter the fray, Vijapur, Mehsana, Unjha and Patan could be safe seats.
Naresh Patel, however, confirmed that Anar Patel visited him for darshan. A leader of the Patidar community, Naresh Patel has been linked to the Congress, though he also indicated that he won’t join politics.
