Keshubhai sworn in as CM, vows to probe corruption 
BY KAMLESH K. SINGH AND
CHAITANYA SHUKLA
The Asian Age: 5 March, 1998
 

Gandhinagar, March 4: Mr Keshubhai Patel was sworn in as the chief minister of Gujarat on Wednesday. He was administered the oath of office and secrecy by governor Krishnapa Singh at 5.30 pm at Raj Bhavan here: Senior BJP leaders Atal Behari Vajpayee, L K Advani, Delhi chief minister Sahib Singh Verma, Rajasthan chief minister Bhaironsingh Shekhawat and former state chief minister Suresh Mehta attended the swear in ceremony.  Mr Keshubhai Patel spoke about the Bharatiya Janata Party's victory on Tuesday and termed it as the people's mandate for a clean and corruption-free government. The BJP has 116 out of the total 182 Vidhan Sabha seats, and 18 of the 20 Lok Sabha seats.  Talking to The Asian Age at his residence, Mr Patel said the voters had rejected the corrupt Rashtriya Janata Party government, formed by opportunists. He also said the BJP government will start investigation into the corrupt deeds of the RJP government and identify the culprits.  He said the RJP leader was no more a political force in the state "It would have shown-in the results. He is not visible. If you take into account the few seats RJP  has won, then even Independents win," he says. He said his government will undo "the damage done to the state's interests," and provide an efficient administration.  The law and order situation has deteriorated in the last two years of RJP rule, he said. "Security comes first. You can feed someone only if he is alive. People's security is my first priority," the BJP leader said, adding that he will ensure that the infiltration from neighbouring countries stop immediately.  Mr Patel promised a way out of the  stand-off that has-stymied the :progress of the Sardar Sarovar project. "The issue will  be solved amicably. Vaghela antagonised everyone, even the Supreme Court. We'll request the other state governments and the Supreme Court to find a solution."  He reiterated his support for the Gokul Gram Yojana. The yojana envisages involving the business  houses in the development of villages. "We'll encourage participation of the corporate sector and voluntary agencies in the development of villages."  He also said his government will focus on removing illiteracy, better roads, and electricity to the villages. The chief minister said his government will emphasise on upliftment of the minority community.