Naresh Patel (Khodaldham)

Introduction

Naresh Patel is an Indian community leader, industrialist, and social activist from Gujarat. He is the chairman of the Shree Khodaldham Trust, which oversees the Khodaldham Temple in Kagvad, Rajkot district. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Khodal, serves as a unifying symbol for the Leuva Patel community.

Patel is widely regarded as one of the most influential leaders in Gujarat and a key political figure in India, particularly due to his influence over the Patidar community. His leadership has made him a sought-after figure in Gujarat’s political landscape, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Indian National Congress (INC), and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) actively seeking his support.

A LiveMint article described Patel as a leader capable of impacting Narendra Modi’s popularity in Gujarat, underlining his significance in state and national politics. According to ThePrint, all major political parties in Gujarat approached Patel ahead of the 2022 Gujarat elections, recognizing his ability to sway voter sentiment among the Patidars. In 2022, he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, further fueling speculation about his political ambitions.

Early Life & Background

Naresh Patel was born in Gujarat, India, into the Leuva Patel community. His early years were dedicated to community service and social work, eventually leading to his involvement in the Khodaldham Trust.

Role in Khodaldham Temple

In 2002, Naresh Patel conceptualized the Khodaldham Temple project to bring the Leuva Patel community together. The temple, which spans over 100 acres, was inaugurated in 2017 and attracts over a million devotees annually. Under Patel’s leadership, the Khodaldham Trust has also been involved in:

Education Initiatives – Scholarships and support for students.

Community Welfare Programs – Social and cultural events.

Religious Gatherings – Large-scale spiritual events.

Political & Social Influence

Naresh Patel is considered one of Gujarat’s most prominent and influential leaders, particularly within the Patidar (Leuva Patel) community. His political influence has made him a key figure in Gujarat’s electoral landscape.

Ahead of the 2022 Gujarat elections, Patel’s influence was seen as a decisive factor, with multiple reports confirming that BJP, Congress, and AAP were competing to bring him into their fold. ThePrint described Patel as a soft-spoken yet highly influential industrialist whose endorsement could shift voter dynamics in Gujarat.

In March 2022, Patel met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adding to speculation about his future political role. However, despite the political attention, he has not officially joined any party.

References

ThePrint - All Parties Want This Soft-Spoken Patidar Industrialist

LiveMint - Naresh Patel: The Man Who Can Imperil Narendra Modi’s Popularity

NDTV - Influential Patidar Leader Naresh Patel Meets PM Modi

Times of India - Naresh Patel’s Role in Khodaldham

Indian Express - Political Interest in Naresh Patel

Official Khodaldham Trust Website