Parikh served as the 13th CM of the state between October 1997 and March 1998 representing Rashtriya Janata Party.
Dilip Parikh was CM of Gujarat from October 1997 to March 1998. (Photo: Twitter/@TheVadodara)
Former Gujarat Chief Minister, 82-year-old, Dilip Parikh died on Friday in Ahmedabad at a private hospital following a prolonged illness. Parikh served as the 13th CM of the state between October 1997 and March 1998 representing Rashtriya Janata Party (RJP).
RJP, headed by Shankersinh Vaghela, was formed after a split with the BJP. Parikh’s government was supported by the Congress in the state back then.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of the former CM. He took twitter to express his condolences and said that Dilip Parekh worked for the people of Gujarat with utmost dedication.
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He also praised Parikh’s work in the world on industry and public service.
Dilipbhai Parikh made a mark in the world of industry and public service. He worked for the people of Gujarat with utmost dedication. His affable nature endeared him to people across all walks of life. Saddened by his demise. My condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 25, 2019
The current CM of Gujarat Vijay Rupani also paid tributes to the deceased former CM through tweet.
Saddened by the demise of Shri Dilip Parikh Ji – Former Chief Minister of Gujarat . I pray for the departed soul. I express my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Om Shanti…
— Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) October 25, 2019
Parikh started his political career in the mid-90s as a BJP MLA. He was an industrialist and also served as the president of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
In 1996, Shankersinh Vaghela revolted and split to form a separate party named Rashtriya Janata Party. Parikh joined the newly formed RJP and the party formed government in the state with the support of Congress.
However, the Congress threatened to withdraw its support a year later due to differences in the coalition, forcing Vaghela to step down from the post of CM.
In October 1997, Dilip Parikh, a trusted aide of Vaghela was sworn in as the chief minister of the state. He remained in the office till March 1998, when the BJP regained power by winning the assembly polls.
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