Within six months of taking charge as administrator of Lakshadweep, Praful Khoda Patel, a former Gujarat BJP leader and confidante of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has more than a few rare distinctions to his credit. Patel’s actions as the administrator of the archipelago have united political leaders of the Congress, the BJP, the NCP and other parties in vociferous protests against him. A slew of controversial decisions taken by Patel have also ensured that India’s smallest union territory, which hitherto enjoyed pride of place on travel glossies for its tranquil beaches, spectacular sunsets, stunning marine life and magnificent coral reef, leapt to the front pages of national dailies for rising Covid cases, disruption of communal harmony and a draconian law reminiscent of the infamous TADA and POTA.