The much-anticipated allocation of portfolios following the expansion of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s cabinet was announced this evening after the cabinet meeting in Gandhinagar. All the ministers are expected to take charge of their departments tomorrow.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi retains key departments, including Home and Police Housing. Kanu Desai was entrusted with Finance, Urban Development, and Urban Housing. Former BJP State Preseident Jitendra Vaghani received Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Co-operation, and Fisheries. Senior cabinet Minister Rushikesh Patel’s portfolio now includes Energy and Petrochemicals along with Parliamentary Affairs while former Congress veteran Arjun Modhwadia was given Forests and Environment.

The newly inducted ministers include 5 Cabinet-rank ministers, 3 Ministers of State with independent charge, and 12 Ministers of State. Earlier Ministers, including Cabinet Ministers Kanubhai Desai, Rushikesh Patel, and Kunwarjibhai Bavaliya, as well as Minister of State Parshottam Solanki, have been retained in the current council. Consequently, the number of council ministers, including the Chief Minister, has increased to 26. The new council includes 3 women ministers. 

The most significant change after the recent reshuffle was the elevation of Harsh Sanghavi, formerly the Minister of State for Home, as the new Deputy Chief Minister. The reshuffle also introduced notable new faces, such as Rivaba Jadeja, and elevated leaders like Praful Pansheriya to Minister of State with Independent Charge of Health, Family Welfare signalling a balance of experience and fresh perspectives.