The Gujarat BJP government, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, carried out a major cabinet reshuffle on Friday, October 17. A total of 25 new ministers took oath and were allocated portfolios, marking a significant reorganization ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Among the new inductees, Rivaba Jadeja, wife of Team India cricketer Ravindra Jadeja and MLA from Jamnagar North, was assigned the crucial Education Department. Her appointment is notable given her relatively short political career, reflecting the party’s confidence in her leadership abilities.
Young leader Harsh Rameshbhai Sanghvi, who previously served as Minister of State for Home Affairs, was elevated to the position of Deputy Chief Minister. He has been given key departments including Home, Transport, Sports, Youth Services, Prisons, and Border Security. Rushikesh Ganeshbhai Patel was assigned Energy, Petrochemicals, Panchayati Raj, Rural Housing, Legislative Assembly, and Parliamentary Affairs portfolios.
The 26-member cabinet has been structured to ensure social and regional balance. Seven ministers are from Scheduled Castes, eight from Other Backward Classes, three from Scheduled Tribes, and four from Guru and ST communities. The number of women ministers has also been increased. All ministers from the previous cabinet, except Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, resigned on Thursday, paving the way for the new ministry to take charge.