GANDHINAGAR, Dec 23: Even as the dust settled over the controversy created by the resignation of Minister of State for Environment Upendrasinh Gohil, a similar threat by another minister caused a flutter in the minority RJP government.

Minister of State for Social Forestry and Sports and Youth Services Pratapsinh Patel threatened to quit the Ministry, if his demand for a change in his portfolio is not granted by December 30. Patel told The Indian Express here yesterday that he had written to Chief Minister Dilip Parikh, requesting him to change his portfolio by December 30 or to treat the letter as his resignation. "I am 73-years-old but I have been given the portfolio of Sports and Youth Services. Does the CM want me to play sports and be in the company of the younger generation at the fag end of my life?" he asked.

Patel, who represents the Baria Assembly constituency, held local politicians responsible for this. "The insignificant portfolio is an insult to a senior and experienced member like me. This is the handiwork of Roads and Building Minister C K Raolji who, at the behest of former Congress Minister Urvashi Devi, could influence both Dilip Parikh and Shankersinh Vaghela to give me this innocuous assignment," he said.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.