From Constable to Cabinet: C.R. Patil's sworn-in as Minister in Modi 3.0

Ahmedabad, June 10: Chandrakant Raghunath Patil, hailing from Gujarat, marked a significant milestone in his illustrious career as he ascended from being a humble police constable to a Cabinet minister in the latest swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in New Delhi on Sunday.

Patil's journey commenced in 1975 when he followed his father's footsteps into the police force, serving diligently for 14 years. However, driven by a spirit of public service and a desire for broader impact, he transitioned into other realms.

Before venturing into politics, Patil honed his skills in journalism, contributing to the esteemed Gujarati Daily 'Navgujarat Times' in 1991, where he gained valuable insights into media dynamics and effective public communication.

In 1989, he embarked on his political voyage with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), swiftly ascending through the party ranks. His exemplary dedication saw him assume pivotal roles such as Treasurer and subsequently Vice-President of the BJP Surat City unit. His stellar performance led to his appointment as the Chairman of Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited, a prestigious state Public Sector Undertaking.

Earning the trust of his constituents, Patil clinched victory in the Navsari parliamentary constituency in 2009, a seat he has consistently retained since then. His tenure in Parliament has been marked by proactive engagement across critical committees, including Urban Development, Health and Family Welfare, and Civil Aviation.

Patil's impact extends beyond legislative duties, as he spearheaded numerous developmental initiatives in his constituency and the state at large. Noteworthy among these is his pivotal role in the elevation of Surat airport into a bustling hub, facilitating both domestic and international air travel.

Furthermore, his efforts in bolstering the textile, infrastructure, and diamond sectors have bolstered Surat's economic landscape. Notably, under his stewardship, Navsari attained the distinction of becoming India's inaugural "smokeless" district, championing the adoption of cleaner energy alternatives over traditional fuel sources.

Patil's electoral prowess is exemplified by resounding victories, boasting some of the largest vote margins nationwide in both the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. His commitment to excellence earned him the distinction of being the first Indian parliamentarian to receive ISO certification for the efficient management and delivery of government services in his constituency.

In a crowning moment of his career, Patil assumed the mantle of President of the Gujarat state unit of the BJP in 2020, marking a historic milestone as the first non-Gujarati to hold this esteemed position.