Must appreciate Rupani's courage for agreeing to steer a sinking ship: Congress

NEW DELHI: In a left-handed compliment for Vijay Rupani after he was chosen as the new Chief Minister of Gujarat, Congress today said one must "appreciate his courage for agreeing to steer a sinking ship".

"Congratulate Vijay Rupani on becoming CM Gujarat. Must appreciate his courage for agreeing to steer a sinking ship. Best wishes (sic)," senior Congress leader Ahmad Patel said on Twitter.

Rupani, a Amit Shah loyalist, was chosen to succeed Anandiben Patel, pipping Nitin Patel who was considered a sure pick for the top job in the poll-bound state.

Patel, seen as the front runner for the top slot after Anandiben offered to resign, was made deputy Chief Minister. It is for the first time that Gujarat will have a deputy chief minister.

The decision to make Rupani the chief minister and Patel, the incumbent health minister, his deputy was taken at hectic parleys involving BJP President Amit Shah and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who was assigned as the party's observer.