According to sources close to the Patel, Mehta's resignation has not yet been accepted.

Although Mehta held the number two position in the cabinet with an important portfolio of industry, Patel kept with himself the crucial industrial policy.

Both Patel and Mehta are among the seniormost leaders of the ruling BJP state unit. But the relation between them have never been smooth. While Patel has the backing of RSS-VHP-Bajrang Dal combine, Mehta is known to be a moderate and is often hounded by the `sangh parivar'.

The relation strained further after the dissident leader Shankersinh Vaghela led a rebellion in the seemingly monolithic BJPlegislature party in 1995, forced the then chief minister Keshubhai Patel to resign after the `Khajuraho' episode and foisted Mehta as his successor. Ultimately, the party split. Vaghela founded Rashtriya Janata Party which ruled for a year with Congress support but did not last long, resulting in mid-term elections in February last.