Call it a coincidence or simply fate, but merely few hours ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha election dates, chief minister Narendra Modi had sworn in six BJP MLAs as the parliamentary secretaries of the state. Unfortunately these new secretaries, who were lucky to get berth in the quasi-ministership, but with polls dates announced, their wings have been clipped owing to the election code of conduct that set in almost immediately after!

Modi had selected majority of the parliamentary secretaries from central and south Gujarat, while only one was selected from Saurashtra. They are Sundarsinh Bhallabhai Chohan, Yogeshbhai Narayanbhai Patel, Jaydrathsinh Chandrasinh Parmar, Ishwarbhai Thakorbhai Koli Patel, Harshadbhai Chunilal Vasava and Lavjibhai Thakarsinhbhai Rajani.Caste-wise too, the focus seemed to hinge on delimitation equations, with two Patels, two Khastriyas, and a Koli Patel and tribal leader each being picked for restricting Congress's stronghold of central and south Gujarat seats.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by BJP top brass including party office bearers; state chief Purshottam Rupala and all ministers in the Modi-government. This was the first time Modi appointed Parliamentary Secretaries during his tenure as CM. His predecessors Babubhai Patel Madhavsinh Solanki, Chimanbhai Patel, Chabildas Mehta, and Keshubail Patel had also appointed parliamentary secretaries.

Kapil Dave/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication