Patel, however, when questioned avoided answering directly but cryptically said that "I was where I was supposed to be."
Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel's absence from posters of Vibrant Gujarat, lack of presence or hasty exit from various events attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Vijay Rupani has once again given rise to murmurs that the Patel leader is annoyed with his alleged 'sidelining'
Patel, however, when questioned avoided answering directly but cryptically said that "I was where I was supposed to be."
The murmurs began when Patel's name went missing from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Hospital inaugurated by Modi on Thursday. Interestingly, the invitation had the names of several MLAs, but Patel who is the health minister found his name missing.
Rumours about Patel's displeasure gained strength when he was not present to welcome Modi during his arrival at Ahmedabad airport, which those in the know said is a breach of protocol.
Patel's photo was also missing from some of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit posters that came up in Gandhinagar.
Patel, however, did make an appearance at the Vibrant Gujarat Trade Show at Helipad that Modi inaugurated but instead of putting rest to the murmurs what followed only strengthened the buzz that something was afoot.
While Modi and Rupani went on to visit the pavilions at the Trade Show in the same golf cart, another golf cart was called to accommodate Patel. Interestingly, Patel diverted the cart to the exit gate. When cornered by media person about his exit when Modi and Rupani were still at the Pavilion (another breach of protocol), Patel said he had to rush to SVP Hospital for the inauguration.
Interestingly, Modi was to inaugurate the hospital. At the hospital inauguration too Patel did not accompany Rupani and Modi inside the hospital but appeared on the stage when Modi addressed the staff of the hospital. When questioned, Patel said he was in a hurry.
He was also present when Modi inaugurated the Amdavad Shopping Festival.
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