Gujarat Politics
Gujarat is governed by the BJP, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Track the latest political developments, policy decisions, and electoral dynamics shaping Gujarat.
Current vs. Opposition
Bhupendra Patel
Chief Minister, Gujarat — BJP
Dr. Tushar Chaudhary
Opposition Leader — Indian National Congress (INC), Gujarat Assembly
History & Achievements
History
Gujarat's first political phase after state formation was dominated by the Indian National Congress. Leaders such as Jivraj Narayan Mehta, the first Chief Minister of Gujarat, played important roles in establishing the new state's administrative structure. Congress remained the principal political force for several decades, although regional and opposition parties periodically challenged its dominance. The Nav Nirman Movement of 1974 became one of the most important political movements in Gujarat's post-independence history. It began with protests over corruption and rising prices and eventually developed into a wider political movement. The agitation contributed to the resignation of the state government and became an important episode in Gujarat's political history. During the 1980s, Congress remained electorally powerful under leaders including Madhavsinh Solanki. The period was associated with the KHAM political strategy, which sought to consolidate support among Kshatriyas, Harijans, Adivasis and Muslims. However, political changes during the late 1980s and early 1990s weakened Congress's dominance. The Bharatiya Janata Party gradually expanded its organisation and electoral base in Gujarat. BJP's rise was supported by urban growth, organisational mobilisation and the emergence of leaders who later became influential at the national level. The 1990s marked a major transition in Gujarat politics. The BJP became a central force in state politics and subsequently established itself as the dominant party. Keshubhai Patel served as Chief Minister during important periods of BJP's early government, while Narendra Modi became Chief Minister in 2001 and remained in the position until 2014, when he became Prime Minister of India. After Modi became Prime Minister, Anandiben Patel served as Chief Minister, followed by Vijay Rupani. Bhupendra Patel became Chief Minister in 2021 and continued after the 2022 Assembly election. The 2022 Gujarat Assembly election produced one of the BJP's strongest performances in the state's electoral history. The BJP won 156 of the 182 seats, while Congress won 17 seats and the Aam Aadmi Party won 5 seats. The result enabled the BJP to form the government under Bhupendra Patel. The Election Commission maintains official statistical records for Gujarat Assembly elections dating back to 1962. The BJP's dominance has continued into the current Assembly. By 2026, the Gujarat Legislative Assembly's official NeVA portal listed 162 BJP members, 12 Congress members, 5 AAP members, 2 Independents and 1 Samajwadi Party member. Gujarat's political environment ahead of the next Assembly election is therefore characterised by strong BJP dominance, a rebuilding effort by Congress and the presence of AAP as another opposition force. Local governance, unemployment, agriculture, inflation, industrial development, environmental concerns and social welfare are likely to remain important political issues.
Gujarat News
Akhilesh Yadav Fields Reliance Executive Dhanraj Nathwani for Rajya Sabha Polls
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has nominated Reliance executive Dhanraj Parimal Nathwani and veteran leader Ram Gopal Yadav for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, with voting scheduled for October 16
By Haripriya • 32 views
Gujarat Politics: Congress, AAP Allege Pressure on Candidates Ahead of Gandhinagar Civic Polls
The Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation election has become a political flashpoint after Congress and AAP raised allegations concerning pressure on opposition candidates and the rejection of an AAP nomination. The BJP has rejected the allegations, while the September 29 withdrawal deadline and October 11 polling date remain key milestones in the 44-seat civic election.
