Published: Sep 26, 2025
Last Updated: Sep 26, 2025 12:00 AM

Chief Ministers of Gujarat

Name Duration Party Home Constituency
Chief ministers of Saurashtra (1950-1956)
U. N. Dhebar 26 Jan 1950 – 19 Dec1954 Indian National Congress Upleta
Rasiklal Parikh 19 Dec 1954 – 31 Oct 1956 -
Chief ministers of Gujarat (1960-2025)
Jivraj Narayan Mehta 01 May 1960 – 03 Mar 1962 Indian National Congress Amreli
Jivraj Narayan Mehta 03 Mar 1962 – 25 Feb 1963 Amreli
Balwantrai Mehta 25 Feb 1963 – 19 Sep 1965 Bhavnagar
Hitendra K. Desai 19 Sep 1965 – 3 April 1967 Olpad
Hitendra K. Desai 3 April 1967 – 12 Nov 1969 Olpad
Hitendra K. Desai 12 Nov 1969 – 13 May 1971 Olpad
Vacant (13 May 1971 – 17 March1972)
Ghanshyam Oza 17 Mar 1972 – 17 Jul 1973 Indian National Congress Dahegam
Chimanbhai Patel 17 Jul 1973 – 09 Feb 1974 Sankheda
Vacant (9 February 1974 – 18 June 1975)
Babubhai J. Patel 18 Jun 1975 – 12 Mar 1976 Indian National Congress (Organisation) Sabarmati
Vacant (12 March 1976 – 24 December 1976)
Madhav Singh Solanki 24 Dec 1976 – 10 Apr 1977 Indian National Congress Bhadran
Babubhai J. Patel 11 Apr 1977 – 17 Feb 1980 Janata Party Maninagar
Vacant (17 February 1980 - 7 June 1980)
Madhav Singh Solanki 07 Jun 1980 – 06 Jul 1985 Indian National Congress Bhadran
Amarsinh Chaudhary 06 Jul 1985 – 09 Dec 1989 Indian National Congress Vyara
Madhav Singh Solanki 10 Dec 1989 – 03 Mar 1990 Indian National Congress Bhadran
Chimanbhai Patel 04 Mar 1990 – 25 Oct 1990 Janata Dal / Indian National Congress (from 1991) Sankheda

📌 Notes:

  • Gujarat was formed on 1 May 1960, carved out from the bilingual Bombay State.
  • The state has seen long dominance of the BJP since 1995, with Narendra Modi serving the longest term before becoming Prime Minister in 2014.
  • Bhupendra Patel is the current CM (as of 2025).

List of Chief Ministers of Gujarat (1960 – 2025)

1. Jivraj Narayan Mehta (1960–1963)

The first Chief Minister of Gujarat after its formation in 1960. A doctor by profession and Congress leader, he worked on setting up administrative structures, health services, and education for the newly created state. He laid the foundation for industrial development in Ahmedabad and Surat. Later, he served as the Indian High Commissioner to the UK.

2. Balwantrai Mehta (1963–1965)

Known as the “Architect of Panchayati Raj” in India. He strengthened local self-governance in Gujarat. His tenure was cut short after he was killed in a plane crash during the 1965 Indo-Pak war. He is remembered as a visionary leader who brought governance closer to the grassroots level.

3. Hitendra Kanaiyalal Desai (1965–1971)

Congress leader remembered for his focus on industrialisation and infrastructure development. He maintained political stability in Gujarat during a challenging period that included the 1965 war and droughts. His leadership helped Gujarat make early strides in education and cooperative banking.

4. Ghanshyam Oza (1972–1973)

Served for a short time after Congress’s electoral win. His government emphasised welfare schemes and administrative reforms, but political instability led to his resignation. He later served as Governor of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, continuing his contribution to public life.

5. Chimanbhai Patel (1973–1974, 1990–1994)

Held office in two different political phases—first under Congress and later under Janata Dal/INC. Known as the “Chhote Sardar”, he worked on irrigation projects, industrial growth, and financial reforms. During his second term, he focused on the Narmada Dam project, which became vital for Gujarat’s water and power needs.

6. Babubhai J. Patel (1975–1976, 1977–1980)

Served two non-consecutive terms. A strong administrator, he dealt with Emergency-era governance and later headed a Janata Party government. Known for his no-nonsense style and emphasis on law and order, he also worked to strengthen cooperative institutions in Gujarat.

7. Madhav Singh Solanki (1976–1977, 1980–1985, 1989–1990)

The longest-serving Congress CM of Gujarat. Famous for introducing the KHAM (Kshatriya, Harijan, Adivasi, Muslim) alliance, which changed Gujarat’s politics. His government focused on social justice, reservations, and rural development. Under his leadership, Gujarat saw large-scale expansion of education and irrigation schemes.

8. Amarsinh Chaudhary (1985–1989)

The first tribal CM of Gujarat. Remembered for his efforts in uplifting tribal communities and expanding rural infrastructure. His tenure was marked by political challenges and social unrest, yet he is credited for giving greater voice to Gujarat’s tribal population. He later served as a senior leader in the Congress at the national level.

9. Chhabildas Mehta (1994–1995)

Chhabildas Mehta emphasised economic reforms and strengthening public sector enterprises. He worked on urban development and industrial expansion. However, his tenure was relatively short due to political instability.

10. Keshubhai Patel (1995–1996; 1998–2001)

A key BJP leader, Keshubhai Patel is credited with strengthening the party in Gujarat. His government promoted irrigation projects and infrastructure. He is often remembered for his role in rebuilding Gujarat after the 2001 Bhuj earthquake.

11. Suresh Mehta (1995–1996)

Mehta’s brief tenure focused on continuing BJP’s development agenda. He worked on improving administrative efficiency and governance reforms. His leadership helped maintain political stability during a transitional period.

12. Narendra Modi (2001–2014)

Narendra Modi transformed Gujarat into a hub of industrialisation, infrastructure, and investment through his “Vibrant Gujarat” summits. His government emphasised electricity reforms, roads, and business-friendly policies. Gujarat witnessed rapid economic growth, though his tenure also faced criticism for handling of the 2002 riots.

13. Anandiben Patel (2014–2016)

The first woman Chief Minister of Gujarat, Anandiben Patel focused on women’s empowerment and education. Her tenure also prioritised infrastructure projects and health initiatives. She resigned in 2016, paving the way for new leadership.

14. Vijay Rupani (2016–2021)

Rupani’s leadership focused on strengthening Gujarat’s industrial sector and promoting startups. He worked on health, digital governance, and managing the COVID-19 pandemic. His tenure also emphasised sustainable development projects.

15. Bhupendra Patel (2021–Present, 2025)

Bhupendra Patel, a low-profile yet influential BJP leader, has focused on housing schemes, infrastructure, and industrial growth. His governance style is known for being inclusive and development-oriented. Under his leadership, Gujarat continues to be a hub for investment and innovation.

About the Author
Mekhala Joshi

JAIN College

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