Gujarat’s New Cabinet Takes Oath
In a ceremony at Gandhinagar, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel‘s new cabinet was sworn in, days after the BJP‘s record-breaking victory in the state elections. While Patel’s continuation as Chief Minister signals stability, the new council of ministers is a strategic mix of experienced hands, dynamic young leaders, and prominent new faces, setting the stage for the government’s next term.
The cabinet formation balances continuity with change, moving away from the “no-repeat” formula used in 2021. This new team is seen as a blueprint for the BJP‘s governance model as it looks ahead to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Harsh Sanghvi‘s Rise: The New Deputy CM
The most significant development is the elevation of Harsh Sanghvi, who has been appointed the new Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat. The 38-year-old firebrand leader from Surat, known for his aggressive administrative style, will also retain the crucial Home portfolio.
Sanghvi’s promotion is a clear endorsement from the party’s central leadership, rewarding his performance and positioning him as a powerful number two in the state. His appointment is seen as a move to empower a young, assertive leader who aligns with the party’s focus on strong governance and law and order.
Rivaba Jadeja: A Star Face in the New Cabinet
Generating significant public interest is the induction of Rivaba Jadeja, the first-time MLA from Jamnagar North and wife of cricketer Ravindra Jadeja. Her inclusion in the cabinet is a classic BJP strategy to bring fresh, recognizable personalities into governance.
The party is leveraging her popularity, especially among women and youth, to strengthen its grassroots connection. While her specific portfolio is yet to be announced, her presence adds a dose of celebrity appeal to the new government, highlighting the party’s understanding of modern political communication.
Balancing Act: Experience Meets New Inductees
The Bhupendra Patel 2.0 cabinet is a carefully constructed team designed to balance regional, community, and administrative needs.
- Experienced Ministers: Seasoned leaders like Kanubhai Desai (retained as Finance Minister) and Rushikesh Patel (retained as Health Minister) provide continuity and administrative expertise.
- New Faces: A total of eight new faces have been inducted, signaling the party’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leadership.
- Community Representation: The cabinet reflects Gujarat’s diverse social fabric, with representation for Patidar, OBC, SC, and ST communities, reinforcing the BJP‘s “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” slogan.
With this record mandate, the expectations from the new government are immense. The blend of Sanghvi’s dynamism, Jadeja’s fresh appeal, and the stability of the old guard has been tasked with delivering on the BJP‘s promises to the people of Gujarat.
