Mehsana

In a playful comment aimed at Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, former Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel joked on Wednesday that he would reward anyone who could make the Chief Minister angry. Patel made this remark during the inauguration of the annual Dhaja Mahotsav at Umiyadham in Unjha.

The week-long festival, running from September 12 to 18, will see participation from Nitin Patel and other key BJP leaders. Patel noted CM Patel’s famously calm demeanor, referencing PM Modi’s praise for the Chief Minister’s composure during a previous public event promoting the Double-engine sarkar concept.

During the event, CM Patel emphasized Umiyadham’s cultural and spiritual significance, stressing the importance of preserving heritage while promoting development. He also encouraged people to support the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative, which aims to boost tree planting as part of environmental conservation efforts.

The festival will feature the offering of 1,868 ceremonial flags and 11,111 religious flags, with donations of Rs 1,100 for each flag. The historic Unjha Jagatjan Ma Umiya temple, established in 1868, continues to be a revered site for devotees. Nitin Patel highlighted the festival’s success in raising over Rs 4 crore in donations and praised the state government for its support of the temple.