In a major political development in Gujarat, Harsh Sanghavi, a three-time MLA from Surat’s Majura constituency, has been appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat. The announcement came during a major cabinet reshuffle under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday, marking the return of the deputy CM post after almost four years.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at Mahatma mandir Gandhi Nagar, where Sanghavi took the oath alongside CM Bhupendra Patel and 25 other ministers. With this reshuffle, a total of 19 new MLAs have joined the Gujarat cabinet, taking the total strength of the council of ministers to 26.
The Revival of the Deputy CM Post in Gujarat
The appointment of Harsh Sanghavi revives a post that had been vacant since 2021, when former deputy CM Nitin Patel left office after the Vijay Rupani government. Sanghavi’s elevation is not just a routine reshuffle—it signals the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) strategy to blend youthful energy with regional representation in the run-up to the next state and national elections.
According to party sources, Sanghavi’s selection aims to strengthen BJP’s urban and youth base in South Gujarat, a region that has been crucial for the party’s political success in recent years.
Who is Harsh Sanghavi?
Born in 1983, Harsh Sanghavi is among the youngest political leaders in Gujarat’s recent history. A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he has built a reputation as a proactive and dynamic leader. He represents Majura, one of Surat’s most prominent constituencies, and has won the seat for three consecutive terms.
At just 40 years old, Sanghavi has become a symbol of youthful leadership within the BJP. His political journey began early—he entered public life at the age of 15 as a social worker. During his initial years, he was actively involved with the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of the BJP, where he worked on grassroots initiatives across India.
Early Political Journey and Rise to Power
Harsh Sanghavi’s rise in politics has been rapid and consistent. In 2012, he contested the Gujarat Assembly elections for the first time and won by a massive margin, becoming the youngest MLA in the Gujarat Assembly at just 27 years old. He was also the fourth highest winner by margin that year—a clear sign of his growing popularity in Surat.
Since then, Sanghavi has continued to strengthen his hold in his constituency. His leadership style—focused on public engagement, youth welfare, and urban development—has earned him widespread respect among both the electorate and party cadres.
Key Portfolios and Achievements
Before being elevated as Deputy Chief Minister, Harsh Sanghavi held several important portfolios in the Gujarat government. These included:
- Home Department (State Minister)
- Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities
- Police Housing
- Non-Resident Gujarati (NRG) Affairs
During his tenure, he launched several development-oriented programs. One of his notable initiatives was the Clean Tapi Mission, aimed at improving environmental conditions around Surat’s Tapi River. He also organized large-scale job fairs, helping local youth connect with employment opportunities—earning him the image of a youth-focused leader.
A Leader Close to the BJP Central Leadership
Within BJP circles, Harsh Sanghavi is known for his organizational skills and strategic thinking. He is believed to have close ties with the party’s central leadership, which has supported his steady rise through the ranks. His appointment also ensures a strong representation for South Gujarat, a region that plays a key role in the state’s economic and electoral landscape.
Political analysts see Sanghavi’s elevation as a strategic move by the BJP to groom young leaders who can appeal to India’s growing urban and middle-class voters. His dynamic presence and clean political image make him one of the most promising faces of Gujarat’s next generation of leaders.
Symbol of Youth and Regional Balance
Sanghavi’s rise highlights the BJP’s ongoing effort to balance experience with youth in governance. By inducting him as Deputy CM, the party has signaled that it values merit, dedication, and innovation in leadership roles.
His appointment is also a nod to South Gujarat’s political significance. Surat, one of India’s fastest-growing cities, contributes significantly to the state’s economy. With Sanghavi representing the region, the BJP aims to further consolidate its position in this urban hub.
Other Key Appointments in the New Gujarat Cabinet
Alongside Harsh Sanghavi, Rivaba Jadeja, wife of Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja, was also inducted into the new Gujarat cabinet. The inclusion of young and fresh faces like Rivaba Jadeja and Sanghavi suggests that the BJP is working to revitalize its leadership team with a mix of experience and new energy ahead of the 2027 state elections.
Also read: New Cabinet in South Gujarat: Five Ministers Retained, Two Faces Change
Conclusion: The Emergence of a Young Political Force
So, Who is Harsh Sanghavi? He is not just Gujarat’s new Deputy Chief Minister; he represents the emergence of a new generation of Indian political leadership—young, energetic, and deeply connected to public life. From a 15-year-old social worker to the youngest Deputy CM in Gujarat’s history, his journey is a testament to dedication, discipline, and people-first politics.
With a growing reputation for efficiency and public engagement, Harsh Sanghavi’s leadership will be closely watched in the coming years—not only in Gujarat but across India’s political landscape.
