Gujarat is set to witness a significant political reshuffle as Bhupendra Patel cabinet tomorrow is scheduled to take oath at the historic Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. After the overwhelming victory of the BJP in 2022, where the party secured 156 seats, the current government has completed over two and a half years with a 17-member cabinet. Tomorrow, the cabinet will see a jumbo expansion with 22 to 23 ministers, marking an important mid-term political review ahead of upcoming local elections.
The swearing-in ceremony will be held at 11:30 AM, with Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat administering the oath. Special guests will include Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President J.P. Nadda. This expansion is expected to balance regional representation across Gujarat, particularly focusing on Saurashtra, Surat, and other key constituencies.
Mid-Term Political Review Driving the Cabinet Expansion
Since taking office in 2022, the Bhupendra Patel government has functioned with a compact cabinet, but political analysts note that the upcoming reshuffle is not just about numbers—it is a strategic move ahead of next year’s local self-government elections. The reshuffle aims to consolidate the party’s position in key regions, including Saurashtra, where factors like AAP’s Gopal Italia’s rising influence are being closely monitored.
Sources suggest that the cabinet expansion will strengthen the government’s overall capacity while maintaining a careful balance of political representation. Veteran leaders and emerging politicians are expected to find places in the new cabinet, while a few existing ministers may step down.
Key Ministers Likely to Resign
According to political insiders, the following ministers may be asked to submit their resignations before the new cabinet is announced:
- Finance Minister: Kanubhai Desai
- Agriculture Minister: Raghavji Patel
- Water Supply Minister: Kunvarji Bavaliya
- Tourism Minister: Mulubhai Bera
- Education Minister: Kuber Dindor
- Social Justice Minister: Bhanuben Babariya
- Fisheries & Animal Husbandry Minister: Purushottam Solanki
- Panchayat Minister: Bachubhai Khabad
- Forest & Environment Minister: Mukesh Patel
- Food & Civil Supplies Minister: Bhikhusinh Parmar
- Tribal Development Minister: Kunvarji Halpati
These ministers are reportedly in a tense and nervous state, with many keeping their mobile phones close at all times awaiting communication from the Chief Minister’s office. All resignations are expected to be submitted by tomorrow afternoon.
Ministers Likely to Retain Positions or Get Promotion
While several ministers may step down, others are likely to retain their positions or receive a promotion:
- Harsh Sanghvi (Home State Minister) – likely promotion
- Prafull Pansheriya (Education Minister) – likely promotion
- Balwantsinh Rajput (Industry Minister) – to continue
- Rishikesh Patel (Health Minister) – to continue
Promotions are expected to reward loyalty and performance, ensuring that the cabinet has a mix of experienced leaders and emerging talent.
Potential New Faces in the Cabinet
The cabinet reshuffle is also expected to introduce new faces, reflecting a blend of regional and political balancing:
- Former Minister and cooperative sector leader Jayesh Radadiya
- Current Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary
- Rajkot MLA Uday Kangad
- Vejalpur MLA Amit Thakar
- Ellisbridge MLA Amit Popatlal Shah
- Mahes Kaswala (Savarkundla)
- Kaushik Vekariya (Amreli)
- Rewaba Jadeja (Jamnagar, spouse of cricketer Ravindra Jadeja)
- Arjun Modhwadia (Porbandar, former Congress member, now BJP)
- Aniruddh Dave (Mandvi-Kutch)
- Sandip Desai (Choryasi)
- Sangita Patil (Limbayat)
- Pankaj Desai (Nadiad)
- Former Congress members Alpesh Thakor, Hardik Patel, and C.J. Chavda
Additionally, Bhupendra Patel cabinet tomorrow is expected to see Jitu Vaghani rejoining the cabinet, likely taking charge of the Home Department, and Jayesh Radadiya securing a significant ministerial position to represent Saurashtra’s political interests.
Focus on Regional Balance and Saurashtra Representation
The reshuffle is expected to give more importance to Saurashtra, ensuring fair representation alongside the central Gujarat leadership. Historically, leaders from Saurashtra had less influence compared to those from Ahmedabad and other central regions, but this expansion is seen as a corrective move.
Political observers highlight that the inclusion of Jayesh Radadiya and Jitu Vaghani in the cabinet will strengthen BJP’s presence in Saurashtra, particularly with rising competition from AAP’s Gopal Italia.
Women Representation and Deputy Chief Minister Formula
The new cabinet may also focus on gender representation, with discussions underway to include women ministers. Additionally, there is speculation about adopting a Deputy Chief Minister formula in Gujarat similar to other BJP-ruled states, ensuring representation of Dalit and tribal communities. One of the deputies could be a woman leader, further emphasizing inclusivity in the expanded cabinet.
The Chief Minister is expected to convene a meeting with all current ministers at 3 PM to finalize the cabinet list. BJP state president Jagdish Vishwakarma will also be present during this key briefing.
Also read: Valsad News: ₹31 Crore Development Works Launched in City
Key Ministers Expected in the New Cabinet
Several prominent leaders are expected to secure ministerial positions in the expanded cabinet:
- Shankar Chaudhary
- Arjun Modhwadia
- Jayesh Radadiya
- Sangita Patil
- Balubhai Shukla
- Manisha Vakil
- Kaushikbhai Vekariya
- Ganpat Vasava
- Jitu Vaghani
- C.J. Chavda
- Alpesh Thakor
- Hirabhai Solanki
Conclusion: Strengthening Governance with Bhupendra Patel Cabinet Tomorrow
The Bhupendra Patel cabinet tomorrow reshuffle is a strategic mid-term review that will strengthen Gujarat’s BJP government ahead of key local elections. By balancing regional representation, including new faces, and promoting experienced leaders, the government aims to ensure effective governance while preparing for future electoral challenges.
With 22 to 23 ministers likely to be sworn in, the expanded cabinet will reflect a mix of loyalty, performance, gender inclusivity, and regional balance, reinforcing Bhupendra Patel’s leadership and the BJP’s stronghold across Gujarat.
Disclaimer:
The information presented in this article has been collected from online sources and is intended solely for informational purposes. Saurashtra Today has no personal relationship with any individual or politician mentioned in this article. The accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information is not guaranteed by Saurashtra Today. Readers are advised to verify details independently before making any decisions based on this content.
