CR Paatil is the Union Jal Shakti Minister in Modi 3.0 Government

SURAT, GUJARAT : With the recent formation of the Modi 3.0 government at the Centre, six Members of Parliament from Gujarat have been included in the new cabinet, drawing significant attention. Among them, CR Paatil, the Gujarat BJP President and Navsari Lok Sabha MP, stands out prominently. Paatil, who secured a record-breaking 7.70 lakh vote margin in the Navsari LS seat from South Gujarat, has been sworn in as a Union Minister for Jal Shakti.

Historically, the Textile Ministry has had a strong connection with Gujarat, especially Surat. The late Kashiram Rana, a senior BJP leader and a six-term MP from Surat, served as the Union Textile Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. Surat, known as the man-made textile hub of India, boasts an annual turnover exceeding Rs 80,000 crore. In recent years, Darshana Jardosh, a former Surat MP, was entrusted with the significant portfolios of MoS Textiles and Railways during Modi’s first two terms.

However, the Surat Textile industry is upset with Paatil not getting the Textile Ministry.

CR Paatil’s background aligns seamlessly with the textile industry’s needs. His business journey began in Surat’s textile sector, where he owned a textile dyeing and printing mill in Pandesara. Over the years, Paatil has amassed a wealth of knowledge about the textile industry and maintains strong connections with leading textile groups across India, including in Surat and Mumbai.

A textile industry veteran commented, “Under BJP’s rule at the Centre, we were sure that Paatil will be made the Union Textile Minister. Paatil’s extensive experience in the textile industry makes him a prime candidate for the role. His deep understanding of the industry’s issues and potential solutions is invaluable. We are a bit  upset as Gujarat has not received the Textile Ministry this time”

Who is CR Paatil?

Chandrakant Raghunath Patil, commonly known as CR Paatil, was born on March 16, 1955, in Pimpri-Akaraut near Jalgaon, Maharashtra. Coming from a modest background, he completed his primary education in Maharashtra before moving to South Gujarat for further studies, eventually attending ITI in Surat. Paatil is well-known for his role in “Operation Lotus,” a strategy designed to bring Congress members into the BJP fold.

Paatil’s political journey began in 1989 when he collaborated with Kashiram Rana in Surat, contributing to the BJP’s rise in the region. He served as the Chairman of the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) from 1995 to 1997 and of the Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited (GACL) from 1998 to 2000. His exceptional fund management skills and strong ties with industrialists in Surat and Gujarat have been pivotal in his career, during which he also served as the BJP Treasurer for five years.

A Record-Breaking Politician

CR Paatil has represented the Navsari Lok Sabha seat since its inception in 2009, winning four consecutive terms. His electoral victories are notable for their substantial margins. In the 2019 election, he won by a record margin of 6,89,668 votes, the second-highest in electoral history, surpassing his 2014 margin of 5,58,116 votes, the third-highest in India. In his latest term, Paatil secured over 7,70,000 votes, cementing his significant influence within the BJP.

Election Strategy Expert

Paatil is celebrated as an ‘election specialist’ within the BJP, recognized for his meticulous planning and strategic campaigning. His expertise was instrumental in the Karnataka assembly elections, where he helped BJP candidates secure victories in traditionally challenging constituencies. Paatil’s strategic acumen is frequently sought after for elections in various states, significantly contributing to the BJP’s electoral successes.

CR Paatil’s Family

Paatil’s family includes his mother, wife, three daughters, one son, two brothers, and one sister. Two of his daughters are active in politics in Maharashtra’s Dhulia district, steadily making their mark in the political landscape. His son, Jignesh Paatil, leads an organization called Youth for Gujarat and serves as the president of the Gujarat Football Association, although he is not directly involved in politics.