In a significant political development, all 16 ministers of the Gujarat state Cabinet, except for Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, resigned on Thursday, October 16, 2025, paving the way for the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet scheduled for Friday at 12:39 pm. The move comes as part of a planned Cabinet expansion aimed at strengthening governance, ensuring political balance, and incorporating new leadership within the state government.

The resignation of these ministers marks a routine but strategically significant step in the reconstitution of the Gujarat Cabinet. According to a government release, the Cabinet reshuffle will see CM Bhupendra Patel induct new ministers to bring fresh energy, address regional representation, and enhance administrative efficiency.

Current Gujarat Cabinet composition

The existing Gujarat Cabinet prior to the resignations comprises 17 members, including CM Bhupendra Patel. Among these:

• 8 are cabinet-rank ministers, holding key portfolios responsible for major state governance areas such as finance, health, industry, and urban development.

• 8 are Ministers of State (MoS), assisting the cabinet ministers in executing departmental functions and policy initiatives.

The Gujarat Legislative Assembly has 182 members, which sets the maximum limit for ministers at 27, or 15% of the total House strength, as per constitutional norms. This allows room for the addition of approximately 10 new ministers in the upcoming Cabinet expansion, as indicated by senior BJP leaders familiar with the plans.

Expected Cabinet changes

Political insiders suggest that nearly half of the present ministers may be replaced during this reshuffle. The new Cabinet is likely to bring in leaders from different regions of Gujarat, balancing political equations and strengthening representation of key communities and constituencies.

This Cabinet expansion comes after a series of internal party adjustments, including the recent elevation of Jagdish Vishwakarma, a Minister of State in the Gujarat government, to the President of the BJP state unit, replacing Union Minister CR Paatil. Such appointments indicate ongoing strategic positioning by the party ahead of future electoral considerations and governance planning.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s tenure

Bhupendra Patel first assumed office as Gujarat’s Chief Minister in December 2021, following the resignation of his predecessor. He was re-elected and took oath for the second time on December 12, 2022. Since taking office, CM Patel has overseen key initiatives in urban development, industrial expansion, and welfare programs, while maintaining party cohesion and electoral strength for the BJP in Gujarat.

The Cabinet expansion is seen as a crucial step for Patel to consolidate his leadership, bring in fresh talent, and ensure a dynamic administrative team for the remainder of his tenure. Analysts note that the reshuffle will likely focus on merit-based appointments, regional representation, and alignment with BJP’s long-term governance strategy in the state.

Political significance

The timing of the Cabinet expansion is politically important. Gujarat is a BJP stronghold, and the party’s leadership has emphasized maintaining governance stability while strategically preparing for upcoming local, state, and national elections. The induction of new ministers will:

• Strengthen the administrative capacity of the state government.

• Ensure fair regional and community representation across Gujarat.

• Signal BJP’s commitment to refreshing leadership while maintaining continuity.

The reshuffle is also expected to address internal party dynamics, including the aspirations of senior leaders, MoS, and potential future contenders for higher political responsibilities within the state.

Public and administrative impact

The Cabinet expansion is likely to have direct implications for state governance and public policy implementation. With new ministers:

• Key departments may experience policy redirection or renewed focus, especially in development, health, education, and industrial sectors.

• Constituency-level governance is expected to improve, as ministers bring local insights and administrative energy.

• Long-term infrastructure and welfare projects may see accelerated execution with an expanded team at the helm.

Conclusion

The resignation of all 16 ministers ahead of the Cabinet expansion marks a major political event in Gujarat, with the induction of approximately 10 new ministers anticipated tomorrow. CM Bhupendra Patel’s leadership remains central to this reshuffle, with expectations of a balanced, efficient, and strategically aligned Cabinet. The upcoming changes will not only impact governance in Gujarat but also shape BJP’s political strategy in the state for years to come.

The swearing-in ceremony, scheduled at 12:39 pm on Friday, will be closely watched by political observers, party members, and citizens alike, as it sets the stage for a refreshed administration poised to deliver development and maintain political stability in Gujarat.

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