Now, Gujarat fisheries minister Purshottam Solanki rebels

NEW DELHI: Two days after Gujarat deputy chief minister Nitin Patel was placated by being given back the finance ministry, Gujarat fisheries minister Purshottam Solanki has expressed displeasure over portfolio allocation now.

Sources said he was unhappy being named minister of state for fisheries and has demanded a better department and cabinet rank “to serve his community better”. Kolis constitute roughly 20% of the state population.

A five-time MLA from Bhavnagar rural, he is considered an influential Koli leader of Gujarat. Solanki had been accused in an alleged Rs 400-crore fisheries contract scam.


Chief minister Vijay Rupani has spoken to him over the phone and senior minister Bhupendersinh Manubha Chudasama met him on Tuesday to reach an understanding.

“He has clearly said he is not against the government. Ours is a democratic party and government; he has expressed his opinion; he has right to do that. The CM has spoken to him and assured him that his demand will be looked at in the next reshuffle,” Chudasama told ET on Wednesday.