Harsh Sanghavi takes oath as Gujarat deputy CM, post revived after four years

Harsh Sanghavi was sworn in as the deputy chief minister of Gujarat on Friday, marking the revival of the post after nearly four years. The oath-taking ceremony was held at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, where Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and 25 other ministers were administered the oath of office by Governor Acharya Devvrat.

A three-time MLA from the Majura constituency in Surat, Sanghavi is considered one of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s young, dynamic, and organisationally strong leaders. His elevation is seen as part of the BJP’s effort to reinforce youth leadership and regional representation, especially in South Gujarat, where he holds significant influence.

At 40, Sanghavi becomes the youngest deputy chief minister in Gujarat’s history. Having previously managed important portfolios like home (state), sports, youth, and cultural affairs, his promotion signals the party’s intent to blend generational renewal with political stability.

The newly formed 26-member cabinet reflects a social and regional balance, with representation from Patidars, OBCs, SCs, STs, and women. The deputy chief minister post, last held by Nitin Patel under Vijay Rupani’s government, had been vacant since 2021.