Published on: October 17, 2025 | 4:02 PM IST
The BJP-led Gujarat government on Friday announced a major cabinet reshuffle, appointing a new team of 26 ministers in a move described as a “strategic reset” ahead of the upcoming local body elections and the 2027 state assembly polls. The reshuffle comes a day after the entire previous cabinet, except Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, submitted their resignations.
Among the notable new appointees is Rivaba Jadeja, wife of cricket star Ravindra Jadeja, reflecting a blend of political experience and public appeal in the new lineup. Other key ministers joining the cabinet include Swaroopji Thakor, Pravenkumar Mali, Rushikesh Patel, Darshna Waghela, Kunvarji Bavaliya, Arjun Modhwadia, Parshottam Solanki, Jitendra Waghani, Praful Pansheriya, Harsh Sanghvi, and Kanubhai Desai.
Background and Reason for Reshuffle
A senior BJP leader explained that ministers were asked to submit their resignations by Thursday afternoon, allowing CM Bhupendra Patel and the party leadership full flexibility in deciding the new cabinet composition. This strategic move is intended to strengthen governance and consolidate political support ahead of upcoming elections.
Patel met Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat on Thursday evening to submit the list of new ministers. The cabinet was formally sworn in on Friday, with Harsh Sanghvi being appointed as the new Deputy Chief Minister. Portfolios for the remaining 25 ministers are yet to be announced.
The previous council of ministers under CM Patel included eight cabinet-rank ministers, two ministers of state (independent charge), and six ministers of state, marking a more compact and focused team.
Key Highlights of the New Cabinet
- Deputy Chief Minister: Harsh Sanghvi
- Notable Appointees: Rivaba Jadeja, Arjun Modhwadia, Parshottam Solanki, Kunvarji Bavaliya
- Focus: Strengthening governance and political strategy ahead of local body polls and 2027 assembly elections
A party official stated that CM Patel held meetings with the resigning ministers and initiated office vacating procedures to ensure a smooth transition. The move is seen as a major strategic reshuffle since Patel assumed office in 2021 following the tenure of late Vijay Rupani and led the BJP to a landslide victory in the 2022 state assembly polls.
Full List of New Gujarat Cabinet Ministers
- Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel – Chief Minister
- Trikam Bijal Chhanga
- Swarupji Sardarji Thakor
- Pravenkumar Mali
- Rushikesh Ganeshbhai Patel
- PC Baranda
- Darshana M Vaghela
- Kantratalal Shivalal Amrutia
- Kunwarjibhai Mohanbhai Bavaliya
- Rivaba Ravindrasinh Jadeja
- Arjunbhai Devabhai Modhwadia
- Dr Pradyuman Vaja
- Kaushik Kantibhai Vekariya
- Parshottambhai O. Solanki
- Jitendrabhai Savjibhai Vaghani
- Ramanbhai Bhikhabhai Solanki
- Kamleshbhai Rameshbhai Patel
- Sanjaysinh Rajaysinh Mahida
- Rameshbhai Bhurabhai Katara
- Manisha Rajivbhai Vakil
- Ishwarsinh Thakorbhai Patel
- Praful Panseriya
- Harsh Sanghvi – Deputy Chief Minister
- Dr Jayrambhai Chemabhai Gamit
- Nareshbhai Maganbhai Patel
- Kanubhai Mohanlal Desai
Political and Administrative Significance
This reshuffle marks the first major cabinet overhaul under CM Patel since taking office in 2021. Analysts suggest the inclusion of new faces like Rivaba Jadeja and seasoned politicians such as Arjun Modhwadia signals a strategy to balance public appeal with administrative experience.
The appointment of Harsh Sanghvi as Deputy CM is particularly notable, reinforcing the BJP’s political structure in Gujarat and strengthening leadership continuity. The reshuffle is expected to energize governance, improve administrative efficiency, and provide the BJP with a tactical advantage in upcoming elections.
With the new ministers taking office, all eyes are now on the announcement of portfolios, which will determine the direction and priorities of Gujarat’s governance for the next few years.
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