A new cabinet for the Bhupendra Patel government in Gujarat took oath on Thursday, inducting a total of 25 ministers. The new council of ministers includes three women, and careful consideration has been given to caste equations. Harsh Sanghavi was the first to take the oath of office and secrecy, being appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister. He previously served as the state's Home Minister in the last cabinet.
Cabinet Expansion and Electoral Strategy
This cabinet expansion is widely seen as a strategic move ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. This is the third cabinet reshuffle under the Bhupendra Patel. Administration, aiming to make the government more inclusive and representative. All ministers of the previous Gujarat cabinet had resigned on Thursday evening, paving the way for new faces.
Key Inductions and Quota Fulfillment
The new cabinet includes prominent figures such as Purushottam Solanki, Kunvarji Bavaliya, Praful Pansheriya, Hrishikesh Patel, Kanu Desai, Arjun Modhwadia, Naresh Patel, Kanti Amrutia, Jitu Vaghani, Darshanaben Vaghela, Rivaba Jadeja (a first-time MLA), P. C. Baranda, Ramesh Katara, Ishwarsinh Patel, Manisha Vakil, Pravin Mali, Pradyuman Vaj, Sanjaysinh. Mahida, Kamlesh Patel, Kaushik Vekariya, Swarupji Thakor, Trikam Chhanga, and Jayram Gamit. With 182 assembly seats in Gujarat, rules permit a maximum of 26 ministers, including the Chief Minister. This swearing-in ceremony has now filled the ministerial quota.
Hardik Patel Overlooked Again
Despite widespread speculation, Hardik Patel, who switched from Congress to BJP, was once again not included in the cabinet. There were strong indications and even former Deputy CM Nitin. Patel had expressed his desire for Hardik to become a minister. However, his aspiration remains unfulfilled this time. Hardik Patel currently represents the Viramgam constituency in Ahmedabad as an MLA.
