"Congratulate Sh Vijay Rupani on becoming CM Gujarat. Must appreciate his courage for agreeing to steer a sinking ship. Best wishes (sic)," senior Congress leader Ahmad Patel said on Twitter.
Rupani, a Amit Shah loyalist, was chosen to succeed Anandiben Patel, pipping Nitin Patel who was considered a sure pick for the top job in the poll-bound state.
Patel, seen as the front runner for the top slot after Anandiben offered to resign, was made deputy Chief Minister. It is for the first time that Gujarat will have a deputy chief minister.