Harsh Sanghavi Sworn In as Gujarat’s Deputy Chief Minister in Major Cabinet Shake-up
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BJP’s Harsh Sanghavi officially assumed the role of Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat on Friday, as part of a sweeping cabinet reshuffle that saw 25 other ministers also sworn in at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. The ceremony took place before Governor Acharya Devvrat, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel leading the proceedings.
Sanghavi, aged 40 and a three-term MLA from the Majura constituency in Surat, has held key portfolios including Home, Sports, Youth, and Cultural Affairs under the Patel government. His elevation revives the Deputy Chief Minister post in Gujarat after it remained vacant since 2021, when it was last held by Nitin Patel. Party insiders view this as part of BJP’s strategy to bring generational renewal while solidifying regional balance, particularly strengthening South Gujarat’s influence in state politics.
The newly formed cabinet comprises 26 members, including several returnees and fresh faces such as Rivaba Jadeja, who was also sworn in as a minister. The composition reflects caste and regional considerations, with representation from OBCs, Patidars, Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and women. The reshuffle is seen as a forward-looking move by the BJP ahead of local body polls in 2026 and the Gujarat Assembly polls of 2027.
With portfolios expected to be redistributed soon, Sanghavi’s appointment underscores BJP’s intent to mix experience with youth and to shore up its administrative and electoral prospects in Gujarat.
