In a major political development, the BJP-led Gujarat government unveiled a new 26-member cabinet on Friday, which includes cricketer Ravindra Jadeja’s wife Rivaba Jadeja.
The announcement came just a day after the entire council of ministers, except Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, submitted their resignations to pave the way for a “strategic reset” ahead of upcoming elections.
Rivaba Jadeja, who joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2019, was among the fresh faces inducted into the state cabinet. Her political rise has drawn significant attention, especially as Gujarat gears up for the 2027 assembly elections.
Besides Rivaba Jadeja, the new cabinet includes Swaroopji Thakor, Pravenkumar Mali, Rushikesh Patel, Darshna Vaghela, Kunvarji Bavaliya, Arjun Modhwadia, Parshottam Solanki, Jitendra Waghani, Praful Panseriya, Harsh Sanghvi and Kanubhai Desai.
Cabinet Reshuffle Aimed at Strategic Reset
A senior BJP leader said the ministers were asked to submit their resignations by Thursday afternoon, allowing the CM and party leadership to restructure the team. This reshuffle is being viewed as a calculated political move ahead of local body elections and the 2027 state assembly polls.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel met Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat on Thursday evening and submitted the list of new ministers. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place around noon on Friday in Gandhinagar.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP National President JP Nadda are expected to attend the event, along with all BJP MLAs from the state.
Full List of New Gujarat Cabinet Ministers
Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel
Trikam Bijal Chhanga
Swarupji Sardarji Thakor
Pravenkumar Mali
Rushikesh Ganeshbhai Patel
PC Baranda
Darshana M Vaghela
Kantratalal Shivalal Amrutia
Kunwarjibhai Mohanbhai Bavaliya
Rivaba Ravindrasinh Jadeja
Arjunbhai Devabhai Modhwadia
Dr Pradyuman Vaja
Kaushik Kantibhai Vekariya
Parshottambhai O. Solanki
Jitendrabhai Savjibhai Vaghani
Ramanbhai Bhikhabhai Solanki
Kamleshbhai Rameshbhai Patel
Sanjaysinh Rajaysinh Mahida
Rameshbhai Bhurabhai Katara
Manisha Rajivbhai Vakil
Ishwarsinh Thakorbhai Patel
Praful Panseriya
Harsh Sanghvi
Dr Jayrambhai Chemabhai Gamit
Nareshbhai Maganbhai Patel
Kanubhai Mohanlal Desai
Political Significance of the Move
This is the first major cabinet reshuffle since Bhupendra Patel became Chief Minister in 2021 after replacing Vijay Rupani. The reshuffle comes after the BJP’s landslide victory in the 2022 assembly elections and is aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots base.
Political analysts say Rivaba Jadeja’s inclusion signals the party’s intention to appeal to a wider voter base, blending governance experience with popular faces.
