Gujarat Politics: Gujarat’s political landscape is once again buzzing with excitement as Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has taken resignations from all 16 ministers, setting the stage for a massive cabinet reshuffle. Among the regions, Saurashtra has always held a central place in Gujarat politics, and this time too, the political arithmetic from the region is expected to shape the new power equations in Gandhinagar.
Saurashtra’s Importance in Gujarat Politics
Saurashtra has historically been a deciding factor in Gujarat elections. With its influential Patidar, Koli, Kshatriya, and farmer communities, no political party can afford to ignore this region. In the previous cabinet, five ministers were from Saurashtra. However, with the ongoing reshuffle, political observers believe that the region’s representation could grow stronger, especially as the BJP looks to balance community representation and reward loyal leadership.
Deputy CM Formula May Favor a Young Saurashtra Leader
There is strong speculation that the BJP might introduce a Deputy Chief Minister (DyCM) from Saurashtra in the upcoming cabinet. If this formula works, a young leader from the region could get a significant position.
After Vijay Rupani’s exit from the Chief Minister’s chair, several local leaders and party workers felt that Saurashtra’s voice was not being adequately represented in Gandhinagar. This sentiment could push the BJP to give more weight to Saurashtra’s leadership this time.
The caste balance, especially between Leuva Patidars and Koli leaders, will be a key factor in the selection process. Strengthening the party base among these communities is crucial, particularly after the recent rise of opposition figures and farmer movements in the region.
Farmer and AAP Factor Influencing BJP’s Strategy
In the last few months, Saurashtra’s political environment has been affected by the farmer agitation in Botad, supported by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and the growing influence of leaders like Gopal Italia and Raju Karpara. These developments have alerted the BJP leadership.
To prevent farmers and Patidar voters from drifting away, the BJP is expected to bring strong local faces into the cabinet who can counter the AAP narrative and connect directly with rural voters.
Cabinet Expansion: Bigger, Broader and More Balanced
Since Bhupendra Patel took charge in 2022, no major cabinet reshuffle has taken place. The existing team consisted of 17 members — eight cabinet ministers, eight ministers of state, and the Chief Minister himself. This time, sources suggest that the new cabinet may expand to 27 members, allowing greater representation from different regions including Saurashtra.
This expansion provides the perfect opportunity for the BJP to bring new energy and regional balance, especially ahead of the next Lok Sabha elections.
Jayesh Radadiya Emerges as the Strongest Contender
When it comes to Gujarat politics, few names are as prominent right now as Jayesh Radadiya. Known for his decisive leadership style and deep roots in the Patidar and farmer communities, Radadiya is considered a natural fit for a major cabinet role.
Insiders claim that the BJP high command may reward him with an important ministry. His appointment would also strategically counter Gopal Italia’s growing influence among young Patidar voters in the region.
Arjun Modhwadia’s Turn May Finally Come
After Jayesh Radadiya, another big name from Saurashtra in discussion is Arjun Modhwadia. Once a heavyweight Congress leader and former state party president, Modhwadia officially joined the BJP on March 9, 2024, and later won from Porbandar again.
Despite his political experience, he has been waiting for a ministerial role for months. This reshuffle could finally see him being appointed as a cabinet minister, possibly handling a significant portfolio — a move that would underline the BJP’s inclusive approach and ability to attract strong leaders from the opposition.
Uday Kangad and Darshita Shah: New Faces Likely to Join
From Rajkot, Uday Kangad—a strong OBC leader—is said to be a leading candidate for inclusion in the new cabinet. Currently serving as an election officer within the BJP organization, Kangad’s appointment would strengthen the party’s OBC base in urban areas.
Another name making rounds is Darshita Shah, who has a strong background in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). If Shah is included, it could mean that Bhanu Babariya, one of the current cabinet members, may be replaced to maintain gender and regional balance.
Will Rivaba Jadeja Make It to the Cabinet?
One of the most interesting possibilities in this cabinet reshuffle is the inclusion of Rivaba Jadeja, MLA from Jamnagar and wife of cricketer Ravindra Jadeja. BJP insiders suggest that Rivaba’s appointment could help the party strengthen its image among women voters and youth.
However, bringing Rivaba into the cabinet may require the BJP to remove Mulu Bera, who is from the same district and enjoys strong local support due to his development work in Dwarka.
If Rivaba is selected, she would likely need to work closely with Poonam Madam, a senior BJP MP, to maintain harmony and political coordination in the Jamnagar region.
Jitu Vaghani’s Possible Return
Another name that has resurfaced strongly in Gujarat politics is Jitu Vaghani from Bhavnagar. The former Gujarat BJP president and ex-spokesperson of the state government previously served as Education Minister in Bhupendra Patel’s first cabinet.
However, he was left out during the 2022 reshuffle. Sources indicate that this time, Vaghani could make a comeback — possibly with a more influential ministry, given his organizational experience and clean political image.
Kunvarji Bavaliya vs Hira Solanki – The Koli Equation
The Koli community, which holds significant influence across rural Gujarat, especially in Saurashtra, remains an important consideration.
Kunvarji Bavaliya, a prominent Koli leader, has so far retained his cabinet position. But this time, Hira Solanki’s name is being discussed as a possible alternative. If Solanki is included, Bavaliya might be dropped — a decision that could create some political friction within the community.
Still, Bavaliya’s strong grassroots connect could help him secure his spot, especially as the BJP would want to maintain its dominance in the Koli belt.
Also read: Valsad News: ₹31 Crore Development Works Launched in City
Other Possible Names from Amreli Region
In the Amreli district, the names of Kaushik Vekariya and Mahesh Kaswala are being considered for ministerial roles. Among the two, sources say Vekariya has a better chance due to his seniority and consistent performance in constituency work.
List of Former Ministers from Saurashtra in Bhupendra Patel’s Cabinet
After the 2022 Assembly elections, the following leaders from Saurashtra were part of Bhupendra Patel’s cabinet:
- Raghavji Patel
- Kunvarji Bavaliya
- Mulu Bera
- Bhanu Babariya
- Parshottam Solanki (Minister of State)
Now, with all ministers submitting their resignations, most of them may not return in the new team, according to political sources.
Saurashtra’s Political Balancing Act
The upcoming cabinet expansion is not just about positions — it’s about balance. The BJP aims to manage equations between Patidar, Koli, OBC, and farmer communities while also ensuring gender diversity and youth representation.
By doing this, the party hopes to send a strong political message ahead of the 2027 Gujarat Assembly elections and maintain its dominance in one of its strongest regions — Saurashtra.
Conclusion: A Strategic Reshuffle to Strengthen BJP’s Hold
The Saurashtra factor continues to play a decisive role in Gujarat politics. Whether it’s the possibility of a Deputy CM, the inclusion of emerging youth leaders, or the re-entry of seasoned politicians like Jitu Vaghani and Arjun Modhwadia, this reshuffle is more than just a routine political exercise — it’s a strategic move aimed at solidifying BJP’s base across all major communities.
As the final list of ministers is expected to be submitted to the Governor soon, all eyes are now on Gandhinagar. The choices made in the next few days will not only decide the future of the Bhupendra Patel government but could also shape the political direction of Gujarat for years to come.
