New Faces, New Equations: Harsh Sanghavi Now Deputy CM As Gujarat Cabinet Hits Refresh

Last Updated:October 17, 2025, 23:10 IST

In the reshuffle, nine out of 16 ministers in the Bhupendra Patel government have been dropped, while six have been retained

Harsh Sanghavi (left) and Rivaba Jadeja. (File images/PTI)

The Bhupendra Patel-led Gujarat government on Friday expanded its cabinet by inducting 19 new ministers, featuring a mix of seasoned politicians, technocrats, educators, social workers, and grassroots leaders, ensuring a broad regional and community balance. The new team includes five Cabinet Ministers, two Ministers of State with independent charge, and twelve Ministers of State.

This is the first major expansion since the government came to power in 2022 with a massive mandate of 156 seats out of 181. Later, six more MLAs joined the BJP, raising the total to 162 out of 182.

In the reshuffle, nine out of 16 ministers in the Bhupendra government have been dropped, while six have been retained.

The highlight of the shuffle is the appointment of Harsh Sanghavi as the state’s Deputy Chief Minister. Sanghavi, who was previously the youngest Home Minister of the state, now becomes the youngest Deputy Chief Minister at 40.

Harsh Sanghavi first entered the Gujarat Assembly in 2012 from the Majura constituency in Surat and belongs to the influential Jain community. After defeating the Aam Aadmi Party candidate in 2017, he was inducted into the state cabinet, marking a steady rise in his political career.

Sanghavi is known for his close rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has worked closely with former chief ministers Anandiben Patel and Vijay Rupani. He enjoys the confidence of senior BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister CR Patil.

In the Gujarat government, Sanghavi has handled several key portfolios, including Minister of State for Home, Sports, and Revenue. He also chairs the state’s bidding committee for the 2036 Olympics, reflecting the leadership’s trust in his administrative abilities and his connect with youth-oriented initiatives.

Sanghavi’s political journey began with the ist Congress Party (NCP), but he soon found his footing within the BJP, rising through the ranks of the party’s Yuva Morcha. His prominence within the organisation and governance makes him a natural fit for the Prime Minister’s vision of promoting young, dynamic leaders who embody the BJP’s development narrative in Gujarat, a state the party has governed for three decades.

Here’s a look at the council:

Cabinet Ministers

Jitubhai Vaghani (Bhavnagar West): A senior BJP leader and agriculturist, Jitubhai Vaghani returns to the cabinet after having earlier served as Education Minister. A legislator from the 13th and 14th Assemblies, he currently chairs the Public Accounts Committee.

Naresh Patel (Gandevi–ST): An agriculturist and businessman from Navsari district, Patel has previously held charge of Tribal Development and Food and Civil Supplies. Known for his connect with the tribal community, he brings administrative experience from his previous tenure.

Arjun Modhwadia (Porbandar): A veteran politician and social worker from Porbandar, Modhwadia has served two terms in the Assembly and represented Gujarat at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s Asia Region Conference in Sri Lanka.

Dr Pradyumansinh Vaja (Kodinar–SC): A medical professional from Gir-Somnath district, Dr. Vaja combines public health expertise with political experience, having served in the 12th Assembly.

Ramanbhai Solanki (Borsad): A retired teacher and farmer from Anand district, Solanki served as Deputy Chief Whip in the current Assembly and brings long grassroots experience from his stint in local bodies.

Ministers of State (Independent Charge)

Ishwarsinh Patel (Ankleshwar): A four-time MLA and seasoned legislator from Bharuch, Patel has held several portfolios, including Cooperation, Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities, both as Minister and Parliamentary Secretary.

Dr Manisha Vakil (Vadodara–SC): An educator by profession, Dr Vakil returns to the council after serving as Minister of State for Women and Child Development and Social Justice during 2021–22.

Ministers of State

Kantilal Amrutia (Morbi): A veteran leader from Morbi with interests in industry and education, Amrutia has served in five Assemblies and is known for his social work and disaster relief efforts.

Ramesh Katara (Fatepura–ST): An agriculturist and two-time MLA from Dahod district, Katara earlier served as Deputy Chief Whip and remains closely connected with local panchayati institutions.

Darshanaben Vaghela (Asarwa): A former school principal and Deputy Mayor of Ahmedabad, Darshanaben has long been active in civic administration and welfare work through the Valmiki Foundation.

Kaushik Vekaria (Amreli): Among the youngest in the new team, Vekaria is an agriculturist and businessman, known for his active role in cooperative bodies and his outreach in Amreli.

Pravinkumar Mali (Deesa): A young face from Banaskantha, Mali has a background in education and BJP organisation work, having served as state documentation cell coordinator.

Dr. Jayram Gamit (Nizar–ST): A grassroots leader and BJP district president from Tapi, Dr. Gamit represents the tribal belt and is known for his engagement in cultural and community initiatives.

Trikambhai Chhanga (Anjar): A retired principal from Kutch, Chhanga has led the district panchayat and brings administrative and educational experience to the cabinet.

Kamlesh Patel (Petlad): A teacher and farmer from Anand district, Patel has led local party and education trusts, reflecting his strong community grounding.

Sanjaysinh Mahida (Mahudha): An agriculturist and local body leader from Kheda, Mahida has held key organisational positions in the BJP and has been active in social and youth causes.

Punamchand Baranda (Bhiloda–ST): A veteran tribal leader from Aravalli, Baranda has served as general secretary of the BJP’s state Scheduled Tribes Morcha.

Swaroopji Thakor (Vav): A young agriculturist and businessman from Banaskantha, Thakor has been associated with the Gujarat Kshatriya Thakor Sena.

Rivaba Jadeja (Jamnagar North): A social worker and founder of Matrushakti Charitable Trust, Rivaba Jadeja has been active in women’s empowerment and girl child education initiatives across Jamnagar and Saurashtra.

With this expansion, the Patel government aims to strengthen representation across regions and communities while infusing both experience and new energy into the state’s administrative machinery.

News politics New Faces, New Equations: Harsh Sanghavi Now Deputy CM As Gujarat Cabinet Hits Refresh

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