Harsh Sanghvi Named Youngest Deputy Chief Minister in State’s History
In a sweeping political development, Gujarat witnessed the induction of 21 Ministers, including 19 fresh faces, into the newly reconstituted Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on October 17, 2025. The event marked a pivotal moment with the appointment of Harsh Sanghvi as the State’s first Deputy Chief Minister under Patel’s leadership.
A Strategic Cabinet Reset Post-Mass Resignation
The reshuffle followed the mass resignation of all Ministers in the state cabinet—except the Chief Minister—on October 16, 2025. The reshuffle was aimed at injecting new energy and recalibrating governance strategies ahead of major electoral milestones.
With the new appointments, the Council of Ministers now stands at 26, a rise from the previous 17, accounting for approximately 15% of the 182-member Assembly’s total strength.
Harsh Sanghvi: Youthful Leadership Takes Center Stage
At 40 years of age, Harsh Sanghvi, formerly Minister of State for Home, took oath as both Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister. Hailing from Surat and known for his dynamic leadership, Sanghvi has become the youngest Deputy CM in Gujarat’s history. His elevation also signals a generational shift in the State’s leadership narrative.
This is the first appointment of a Deputy CM in Gujarat in the last four years of Bhupendra Patel’s tenure.
Rivaba Jadeja’s Surprise Cabinet Entry
In a move that drew considerable attention, Rivaba Jadeja, MLA and wife of cricketer Ravindra Jadeja, was inducted into the Cabinet. Her entry was among the most unexpected, symbolizing BJP’s effort to merge popular public figures with political responsibilities.
Strategic Retention and New Faces
Despite the resignations, six ministers were retained by CM Patel. These include:
- Kanubhai Patel, Rushikesh Patel, and Kunvarji Bavaliya (retained as Cabinet Ministers)
- Harsh Sanghvi, Praful Pansheriya, and Parshottam Solanki (retained as Ministers of State)
The selection reflects a careful balance of experience and fresh talent in the new line-up.
Inclusive Representation and Social Engineering
In a calculated attempt to achieve social and caste balance, the Cabinet includes:
- 7 Patidar leaders
- 8 from Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
- 3 from Scheduled Castes (SCs)
- 4 from Scheduled Tribes (STs)
Additionally, women’s representation has tripled, rising from one to three women ministers, showcasing the government’s commitment to gender inclusion.
High-Profile Attendees and Ceremonial Formalities
The oath-taking ceremony, held with traditional solemnity, was presided over by Governor Acharya Devvrat, who administered the oaths. BJP National President and Union Minister J.P. Nadda was present to witness the occasion, highlighting the national significance of the event.
Timing and Political Implications
The reshuffle comes at a critical juncture—just months before local body elections, and two years ahead of the 2027 Gujarat Assembly elections. It is widely perceived as a strategic move by the BJP to consolidate its voter base and rejuvenate its governance image.
Experience Meets Reinvention: Notable Appointments
Of the 19 newly inducted Ministers, several bring prior ministerial experience, including:
- Jitu Vaghani
- Manisha Vakil
- Ishwarsinh Patel
- Naresh Patel
A particularly notable inclusion is Arjun Modhwadia, former Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President, who switched allegiance to the BJP in March 2024.
Party Leadership Changes: Vishwakarma Takes the Helm
In a parallel development, Jagdish Vishwakarma was appointed President of the Gujarat BJP, replacing Union Minister C.R. Paatil. His exclusion from the Cabinet is in keeping with the BJP’s “one person, one post” policy.
Cabinet Composition Breakdown
The newly constituted Council of Ministers comprises:
- 9 Cabinet Ministers
- 3 Ministers of State (Independent Charge)
- 13 Ministers of State
Senior Leaders Dropped in Cabinet Overhaul
In a surprising turn, 10 ministers were dropped, including heavyweight names such as:
- Balwantsinh Rajput (Industries)
- Raghavji Patel (Agriculture)
- Bhanuben Babariya (Social Justice & Empowerment)
- Mulu Bera (Forest & Environment)
The decision marks a significant shift in the internal power dynamics of the Gujarat BJP.
