In a sweeping political move, the Gujarat government Thursday witnessed a major overhaul as Harsh Sanghavi was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister, and Rivaba Jadeja wife of cricketer Ravindra Jadeja was inducted into the cabinet in a surprise elevation. The mass oath-taking ceremony, which saw 26 ministers take office, signals a fresh power realignment ahead of forthcoming state elections.
The cabinet overhaul, one of the biggest in recent years, saw 26 ministers taking oath including several fresh faces and a few returning veterans. Nearly the entire previous cabinet had tendered resignations to make way for the new team, signaling a complete structural reset aimed at energizing the BJP’s governance narrative in Gujarat.
Governor Acharya Devvrat administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers in the presence of top BJP leaders and dignitaries. The new team includes a mix of senior politicians and young leaders, reflecting the party’s strategy to blend experience with youth-driven energy.
Political observers note that this reshuffle is part of the BJP’s long-term plan to restructure leadership at the state level, with a focus on performance, representation, and pre-election optics.
One of the most notable developments was the elevation of Harsh Sanghavi, a three-time MLA from Surat’s Majura constituency, as the Deputy Chief Minister. At just 40, Sanghavi has become one of Gujarat’s youngest leaders to hold the position.
Previously serving as the Minister of State for Home, Sanghavi has earned a reputation for being dynamic, efficient, and closely aligned with the BJP’s central leadership. His promotion is seen as recognition of his administrative capabilities and political acumen.
He has now been entrusted with the crucial Home Ministry, along with Law and Order, Border Security, and Housing. This is a significant shift, as the Home portfolio has traditionally remained with the Chief Minister in Gujarat’s political system.
Analysts believe Sanghavi’s elevation aims to strengthen BJP’s youth outreach and highlight the leadership transition within the state unit. His appointment is also being viewed as a message of trust from the central leadership, especially as Gujarat prepares for key elections in the coming years.
If Sanghavi’s rise was expected, Rivaba Jadeja’s inclusion in the cabinet was the real surprise of the day. The 34-year-old BJP MLA from Jamnagar North, who entered politics in 2019, took oath as a Minister of State in Bhupendra Patel’s new cabinet. She has been assigned the Education portfolio, covering primary, secondary, and adult education sectors.
Rivaba’s induction has generated widespread media and public attention, given her background and her association with one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, Ravindra Jadeja.
Her political journey began when she joined the BJP and actively participated in local campaigns. She won her first election in 2022, defeating her AAP rival by a comfortable margin. Since then, she has been involved in several community and women-centric initiatives through her NGO, Shree Matrushakti Charitable Trust.
Rivaba’s elevation carries strong symbolic and political significance. The BJP has long sought to expand women’s representation in governance, and her induction fits perfectly into that narrative. She brings visibility, youth appeal, and a socially progressive image that resonates with modern voters.
Moreover, her inclusion also boosts Saurashtra’s representation in the cabinet, a region politically crucial for the BJP’s continued dominance in Gujarat. Political analysts suggest that the move aims to strengthen BJP’s connection with both women and rural voters two key demographics in the state’s electoral matrix.
“Rivaba’s inclusion represents the BJP’s confidence in grooming new faces who can connect with the public beyond traditional political lines,” said a senior political commentator.
The newly sworn-in Gujarat cabinet includes 19 new ministers and 6 returning ones, reflecting a strong push for change. The reshuffle has balanced caste, regional, and generational factors with careful attention to Saurashtra, North Gujarat, and tribal regions.
Some notable names in the new lineup include:
- Rushikesh Patel – Health and Family Welfare
- Kanubhai Patel – Agriculture
- Praful Pansheriya – Finance
- Manisha Vakil – Social Justice and Empowerment
- Rivaba Jadeja – Education
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel retained overall charge of key departments like General Administration and Urban Development. The reshuffle has been described by political observers as a “fresh start” aimed at bringing renewed vigor and accountability to state governance.
BJP’s Political Calculus: Youth, Women, and Performance
The ruling BJP, which has governed Gujarat for more than two decades, is strategically refreshing its leadership pipeline to sustain its stronghold. The appointment of young and dynamic ministers like Sanghavi and Rivaba aligns with the party’s larger goal of nurturing next-generation leaders.
The move also strengthens BJP’s narrative of “inclusive governance” ensuring that women, youth, and regional communities find representation at the highest level of decision-making.
Insiders reveal that the reshuffle was carefully crafted by the state BJP unit under guidance from the central leadership to counter anti-incumbency sentiments and inject fresh energy before the 2027 Assembly Elections.
While the reshuffle has brought enthusiasm, it also brings challenges.
Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi faces the daunting task of ensuring internal security and maintaining law and order, particularly in light of increasing urban crime and border security concerns.
For Rivaba Jadeja, managing Gujarat’s vast and complex education system will be a test of her administrative capabilities. The education department has been under scrutiny for infrastructure gaps and uneven literacy rates across districts. Her performance in this role will likely determine her long-term political trajectory.
The opposition Congress and AAP have criticized the reshuffle, calling it a “cosmetic exercise” aimed at diverting attention from governance issues.
However, BJP leaders defended the move, saying it reflects “the party’s commitment to performance and fresh leadership.”
“Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s guidance, Gujarat is entering a new era of governance. The new team reflects both continuity and change,” said state BJP President C.R. Patil.
Public reactions, however, have largely been positive especially regarding Rivaba Jadeja’s induction. Social media platforms saw an outpouring of congratulatory messages, with many fans of Ravindra Jadeja celebrating her political rise.
The coming months will be crucial for Gujarat’s new leadership team. With local elections around the corner and assembly polls two years away, the cabinet will be judged on governance delivery, public outreach, and visible results. The combination of experienced ministers and youthful newcomers is expected to redefine Gujarat’s governance model, maintaining its reputation as one of India’s most efficiently governed states.
If the new team succeeds in balancing political messaging with administrative effectiveness, the BJP’s dominance in Gujarat could strengthen further setting the stage for another term of stability and growth.
The induction of Harsh Sanghavi as Deputy Chief Minister and Rivaba Jadeja as Minister of State marks a turning point in Gujarat’s political landscape. This reshuffle signals a bold generational shift, emphasizing youth, inclusivity, and political modernization.
As Gujarat prepares for its next political phase, all eyes will be on how this new team performs not just in the corridors of power, but in the hearts of its people.
