Trigger Warning: Mention Of Su*cide
The Political Career Of Praful K. Patel
In 2007, Praful K. Patel started his political career by winning the Himatnagar constituency in Gujarat. His father Khodabhai Ranchhodhai Patel was a leader of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS). He served as MoS Home Minister of Gujarat from 21 August 2010.
He lost the election in the 2012 Gujarat Legislative Assembly, due to which his political career ended in Gujarat. When Narendra Modi became prime minister in 2014. He was appointed as the administrator of Daman and Diu in 2014 by Modi. Then in 2016, he was appointed as administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
He was the first politician who was appointed as administrator in union territories, as earlier only Indian Administrative Service officers were appointed as administrators.
On 26, January 2020, he became the first administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. On 5 December 2020, he became the administrator of Lakshadweep because the administrator of Lakshadweep Dineshwar Sharma(IAS officer)expired. Due to this, he is now the administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu and Lakshadweep.
Here Are Some Controversies He Was Involved In
In April 2019, the Election Commission issued a notice to Praful K Patel because he sent a coercive request to Karan Gopinayhan when the election was very near and in response, the election commission of India scolded Praful K Patel and a few months later, Kanan Gopinathan resigned.
In 2019, in Daman and Diu, 90 homes were demolished Daman that was on seafront land. It was termed that it was done for progress. The locals protested against it and the MP of Daman Lalu Patel urged the collector that these houses should be restored on humanitarian grounds.
In response, the collector said that those people who lost their homes can apply for loans under the Awas Yojna of the Prime Minister. The protest increased and section 144 was imposed and two government schools were converted into temporary prisons.
- The Suicide Of Mohan Delkar 2021
In February 2021, seven-time MP of Dadra and Nagar Haveli Mohan Delkar committed suicide due to Praful K Patel and he wrote a 15-page note in Gujarati language as his son alleged that his father was harassed by Patel and he demanded 25 crores. Also, that he would file a false case if the sum was not given.
- Policies In Lakshwadeep
The power of the panchayat was taken by Praful K Patel, in sectors like education, healthcare, agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries sector.
New regulations were passed that stated that people with more than 2 children are ineligible to vote in elections. People of Lakshadweep alleged that Praful K Patel had spread covid on their islands because in 2020 there wasn’t a single case of covid because of strict rules
But Praful K Patel changed rules and now one RT PCR report is required. Earlier, every person coming into Lakshadweep was tested and quarantined for 14 days, even if the report was negative. Also, he imposed the Goondas Act, due to this the police can detain any person for up to one year and police have more power than the judiciary.
Also, a new Lakshadweep Development Authority was created as he states he wants Lakshadweep to become like the Maldives. It is said that due to this it will be very easy to sell land to big companies. Also, he gave permission to open more alcohol shops.