BJP accepts Gujarat CM Anandiben Patel’s resignation

New Delhi, Aug 3 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday accepted the resignation of Anandiben Patel as the Chief Minster of Gujarat after she offered to resign, saying she was soon going to turn 75.

Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said that she had set an example for many across the country.

"The party has accepted her resignation. She offered to resign as she was nearing 75. She has set an example for lakhs of party workers and become an inspiration for many in the country by doing this", Naidu told reporters here.

He also said that the party appreciated the "satisfactory" work done by her as the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

"She has been a minister in Gujarat government for 18 years. She headed the government as CM in satisfactory manner. The party appreciates the good work done by her for the development of the state", he added.

Naidu also informed that she would meet the governor today to give her resignation.

Patel, the first woman chief minister of Gujarat offered to quit keeping in mind the BJP's tradition of leaders vacating their post as they turn 75.

The BJP's state legislature meeting will take place on Thursday under the leadership of party president Amit Shah to decide the next chief minister of the state.