Gujarat likely to get deputy CM, key ministers may resign ahead of cabinet expansion

The state cabinet expansion process has entered its final stage. The announcement regarding the cabinet expansion was made on Thursday, stating that a swearing-in ceremony for the ministers would take place on Friday, with possibly 23 new ministers being inducted in the presence of Governor Acharya Devvrat and BJP president J P Nadda.

This has fueled speculation that several key ministers may resign ahead of the ceremony.

According to sources, all ministers except Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel may submit their resignations today. There is growing speculation that, similar to 2021, the BJP might once again implement its ‘no-repeat formula’ and possibly appoint a deputy chief minister, a position that was removed in 2021. A cabinet meeting has been scheduled at 3 pm today, where the decision is expected to be finalised.

The new cabinet swearing-in ceremony will be held on Friday at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, followed immediately by the first meeting of the newly formed cabinet under CM Bhupendra Patel.

This large-scale reshuffle is seen as a strategic move by the BJP to address emerging challenges from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in tribal and Saurashtra regions and to strengthen the Patidar–OBC equation ahead of upcoming elections.

New cabinet expected to include 23 ministers

The new cabinet is likely to include 23 ministers, with a balanced representation of experience, youth, and women legislators. The BJP aims to ensure equitable representation across communities and regions.

The composition may include 6 Patidar leaders (4 Leuva Patel and 2 Kadva Patel), 4 OBC MLAs from Thakor and Koli communities, 2 from Scheduled Castes (SC), 2 from Scheduled Tribes (ST), 2 Brahmin, and 2 Kshatriya ministers. Around 4 women MLAs, both young and experienced, are also expected to be inducted.

From Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar, one new minister is likely to be appointed. Kutch and Saurashtra may get 4 cabinet and 3 state ministers, Central Gujarat may have 2 cabinet and over 2 state ministers, while South Gujarat may see 3 cabinet and 4 state ministers.

As the expansion draws closer, most ministers were notably absent from official programs on Wednesday. Their staff appeared anxious, anticipating major changes.