On the political front, the BJP-led Gujarat government formed a committee headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai to examine the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state and draft a proposal for the same. The move was strongly criticized by the opposition, which alleged that the government was trying to divert attention from important issues like inflation and unemployment. Additionally, concerns were also raised about its possible impact on minority and tribal communities.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s cabinet underwent a major expansion in October, with the induction of 19 new ministers and the removal of 10 existing ministers. A day before the swearing-in, all 16 ministers of the Patel government had submitted their resignations. However, six resignations were not accepted on the day of swearing-in. After this expansion, the strength of the Council of Ministers increased from 17 to 26, including the Chief Minister.
Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghvi was promoted to the post of Deputy Chief Minister. The 40-year-old MLA represents Surat’s Majura constituency.
In the June bypolls, former AAP state president Gopal Italia won the Visavadar seat in Junagadh district, while the BJP retained its hold on the Kadi constituency in Mehsana.