Gujarat Cabinet Reshuffle: All Ministers Except Chief Minister Submit Resignations Ahead Of Major Expansion

In a dramatic political development, all 16 ministers in Gujarat’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government have tendered their resignations to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday, October 16, 2025. This series of resignations comes just before a significant cabinet expansion scheduled for Friday, October 17, when the new set of ministers will be sworn in during a ceremony at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, at 11:30 a.m.

BJP’s Strategic Overhaul

Party insiders describe the reshuffle as a proactive measure ahead of imminent local body elections and as a response to emerging political challenges, especially from rivals like the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Gujarat. Discussions about the new lineup have been underway at the highest levels, involving BJP President J.P. Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Nadda and Shah are both expected to attend the swearing-in, underlining the event’s political significance for the ruling party.

New Faces and Future Political Calculations

According to sources, around 10 to 23 new ministers may be inducted, with nearly half of the current faces expected to make way for new entrants. The reshuffle aims to inject fresh leadership, improve community and regional representation, and possibly prepare the groundwork for adding a Deputy Chief Minister. The BJP is reportedly focusing on balancing the Patidar–OBC equation, boosting representation for women and youth, and addressing concerns in regions where the party faces stiff competition.

Secrecy and Party Discipline

While the full list of new ministers has not yet been publicly disclosed, all BJP legislators and current ministers have been asked to remain in Gandhinagar for the next two days. Those dropped from the cabinet may be absorbed into party organizational roles.

Looking Ahead: A Test Before Elections

This large-scale reshuffle, one of the biggest in recent years, is widely seen as an effort to rejuvenate the party’s image and bolster its position for future electoral battles. With local government and assembly elections on the horizon, BJP’s high-command is sending a clear message of flexibility, unity, and readiness to adapt.