The most consequential appointments are the four state general secretaries, a post considered second only to the party president in organisational authority. Three of the four have been drawn from the Saurashtra-Kutch region, underlining the party’s renewed focus on a region that has remained politically influential but internally competitive.
Among them, Dr Prashant Korat’s elevation as general secretary has drawn particular attention. A former state BJP Yuva Morcha president, Korat is seen as a prominent young leader from the Leuva Patidar community in Saurashtra. His appointment is widely interpreted as a signal to entrenched leadership in the region, as well as an attempt to strengthen the party’s youth connect. Korat brings both organisational experience and political lineage, with both his parents having served as ministers in the past.
Another surprise came from Surat, where former Choryasi MLA Zankhana Patel was appointed state vice-president. Patel, who was denied a ticket in the 2022 Assembly elections and had largely remained out of active politics since then, has re-entered the organisational fold. Her induction is expected to bolster the BJP’s base among the Koli community in South Gujarat and energise the party cadre in the Surat region.
The new team also places visible emphasis on tribal and women’s representation. Former MP Gitaben Rathwa has been tasked with representing tribal women from Central Gujarat, while Kailasben Gamit from Tapi district has been accommodated to strengthen outreach in South Gujarat’s tribal belt. In the women’s wing, Anjubai Vekariya from South Gujarat and Preetiben Patel from North Gujarat have been appointed to ensure regional balance.
Younger leaders have been entrusted with key responsibilities. Hitendrasinh Chauhan from Surendranagar has been appointed general secretary, a move seen as outreach to the Kshatriya community, while Ajay Brahmbhatt from Kheda represents OBC leadership in Central Gujarat.
Senior leaders such as Bharat Pandya, Jaydrathsinh Parmar and Ramesh Dhaduk have also returned to organisational roles, bringing administrative and ministerial experience. The inclusion of current MLAs and MPs in the team, despite the party’s stated “one person, one post” principle, reflects an emphasis on continuity and election readiness.
Party insiders say the reconstituted team reflects a calibrated strategy to consolidate social coalitions while grooming the next line of leadership.
