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In a significant expansion of its leadership, the BJP government in Gujarat on Friday unveiled a new 26-member cabinet, marking a blend of continuity and a fresh infusion to steer the state's administration through its second term under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. 

The swearing-in ceremony at Raj Bhavan saw state Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi elevated to the position of Deputy Chief Minister, while Rivaba Jadeja, the wife of renowned cricketer Ravindra Jadeja, made her debut as a full-fledged minister. The event, presided over by Governor Acharya Devvrat, underscored the BJP's strategy to reward loyalists and leverage high-profile figures to bolster its image ahead of future electoral battles.

 

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Sanghavi's Rise and Electoral Pedigree

Harsh Sanghavi, a key BJP stalwart known for his assertive handling of law and order as Home Minister, took oath as Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's deputy amid applause from party workers and dignitaries. His elevation comes on the heels of a resounding victory in the 2022 Assembly elections, where he trounced his nearest rival from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) by a staggering margin of over 1 lakh votes in the Majura constituency in Surat. 

Sanghavi's induction into the top echelons is seen as a nod to his organisational prowess and unwavering loyalty to the party, positioning him as a potential successor in the state's political landscape. The ceremony, held in the opulent Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan, was a low-key affair focused on efficiency, with Sanghavi pledging to intensify efforts against crime and strengthen internal security.

Rivaba Jadeja: From Cricket Royalty to Political Arena

Adding a dash of glamour and youth appeal to the cabinet, Rivaba Jadeja—wife of Indian cricket icon Ravindra Jadeja—took oath as a minister without portfolio. A chemical engineer by training and a former sarpanch of Jamkandorna village in Rajkot district, Rivaba entered politics in 2022 by winning the Jamkandorna seat on a BJP ticket, defeating a Congress opponent by over 12,000 votes. 

Her inclusion is viewed as a strategic move by the BJP to capitalise on the Jadeja family's popularity, especially in Saurashtra, where Ravindra's stellar cricketing career has made him a household name. Rivaba, 34, has been vocal on issues like women's empowerment and rural development, and her ministerial role is expected to amplify these causes within the government's agenda.

 

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Balancing Continuity with New Faces

The revamped cabinet strikes a careful balance between experienced hands and emerging leaders, ensuring stability while infusing new energy. Out of the 26 members, six ministers returned to their roles: Rushikesh Patel, Kanubhai Desai, Kunwarji Bavaliya, Praful Pansheriya, Parshottam Solanki, and Harsh Sanghavi himself. This continuity reflects the BJP's trust in these veterans to maintain policy momentum in critical areas like health, water resources, and social justice.

 

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Notably, four ministers who retained their exact portfolios—Rishikesh Patel, Kanubhai Desai, Kunwarji Bavaliya, and Parshottam Solanki (as minister of state)—were exempted from retaking the oath, streamlining the process and avoiding redundancy. Rishikesh Patel continues to oversee tourism and salt works, Kanubhai Desai retains fisheries and animal husbandry, Kunwarji Bavaliya holds tribal development, and Parshottam Solanki manages ports and cottage industries.

The induction of 18 new faces brings diversity and regional representation to the fold, with inductees hailing from various castes, communities, and geographies across Gujarat. The fresh appointees include: Trikam Chhanga, Swaroopji Thakor, Praveen Mali, Rishikesh Patel (in an expanded role), PC Baranda, Darshana Vaghela, Kantilal Amrutiya, Arjunbhai Modhwadia, Dr Pradyumn Vaja, Kaushik Vekaria, Jitendrabhai Vaghani, Ramanbhai Solanki, Kamleshbhai Patel, Sanjay Singh Mahida, Rameshbhai Katara, Prafull Pansheriya, Manisha Vakil, Ishwarsinh Patel, Dr Jayrambhai Gamit, and Nareshbhai Patel. These leaders were sworn in today, each administered the oath of secrecy and office by Governor Acharya Devvrat.

Among the newcomers, several bring specialised expertise: Trikam Chhanga, a former MLA from Gandhinagar, is expected to focus on urban development; Swaroopji Thakor represents the OBC community from Banaskantha; Praveen Mali adds merchant community insights from Patan; PC Baranda strengthens Kshatriya representation from Amreli; Darshana Vaghela brings women's issues from Sabarkantha; Kantilal Amrutiya from Rajula emphasises coastal concerns; Arjunbhai Modhwadia, a seasoned politician from Porbandar, eyes infrastructure; Dr Pradyumn Vaja from Khambhat focuses on health; Kaushik Vekaria from Visavadar on education; Jitendrabhai Vaghani from Mahuva on agriculture; Ramanbhai Solanki from Limbdi on energy; Kamleshbhai Patel from Rapar on border security; Sanjay Singh Mahida from Manavadar on cooperatives; Rameshbhai Katara from Una on fisheries; Manisha Vakil, the lone woman minister, from Navsari on revenue; Ishwarsinh Patel from Radhanpur on water; Dr Jayrambhai Gamit from Vyara on forests; and Nareshbhai Patel from Danta on youth affairs.

Strategic Composition and Future Implications

The cabinet's composition adheres to Gujarat's legislative assembly strength, with a cap of 27 ministers including the Chief Minister. It features 11 Cabinet Ministers, 9 Ministers of State (Independent Charge), and 6 Ministers of State, ensuring a hierarchical structure for efficient governance. Caste-wise, it includes representation from Patidars, Koli, Thakor, Bharwad, Ahir, and ST communities, aligning with the BJP's inclusive outreach post-2022 polls where it secured 156 seats.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who retained his post without fanfare, congratulated the new team and outlined priorities like economic growth, infrastructure, and social welfare. "This cabinet will work tirelessly to fulfill the aspirations of 7 crore Gujaratis, building on the legacy of development," Patel remarked post-ceremony.

The expansion, the first since the BJP's landslide in December 2022, signals internal promotions amid whispers of upcoming expansions in portfolios.

 

With the state eyeing municipal elections and national dynamics, this lineup positions Gujarat as a BJP stronghold, blending administrative acumen with star power. As the ministers assume charge next week, all eyes are on portfolio allocations that could reshape key departments like home, finance, and education.

 

Also Read: Gujarat Cabinet to expand on Friday, 10 new Ministers expected