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BJP's 'musical chairs' in Gujarat, the tried-and-tested formula behind its 3-decade grip on power

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, October 18th 2025 at 12:57 GMT by ThePrint
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The Enduring Tune: How BJP Maintains its Grip on Gujarat Through Constant Reconfiguration

The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) dominance in Gujarat, spanning over three decades, isn't attributable to a single factor but rather a meticulously crafted and consistently applied strategy of personnel reshuffling – what The Print calls “musical chairs” – within the state government. This constant rotation of ministers and officials, detailed in a recent article by Smita Gupta, serves as a key mechanism for maintaining control, managing dissent, and ensuring continued electoral success.

Gujarat’s political landscape has been largely defined by BJP rule since 1995. While economic development and Hindu nationalist ideology have undoubtedly played roles, the party's ability to adapt and recalibrate its leadership has proven crucial in sustaining this longevity. The article highlights that unlike some states where ministerial positions are seen as rewards for loyalty or patronage, in Gujarat, they are viewed more strategically – as assignments with specific objectives.

The “musical chairs” approach isn’t a recent invention. It began under Keshubhai Patel's tenure and was refined by Narendra Modi during his long stint as Chief Minister. Modi, the article notes, implemented a system of frequent transfers and promotions, often moving officials every two to three years. This prevented any individual from accumulating excessive power or developing entrenched interests that could challenge the party line. This practice continues under current Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, demonstrating its enduring value within the BJP’s Gujarat playbook.

The rationale behind this constant reshuffling is multifaceted. Firstly, it allows for a continuous infusion of fresh perspectives and approaches to governance. New ministers bring with them different priorities and networks, potentially addressing emerging challenges or capitalizing on new opportunities. Secondly, it serves as a powerful tool for managing internal party dynamics. By rotating individuals between portfolios, the BJP can diffuse potential conflicts arising from ambition or ideological differences. Ministers who underperform or attract controversy are quietly moved aside, minimizing public embarrassment and maintaining an image of efficiency.

The article points to several recent examples illustrating this phenomenon. The shuffling of ministers in 2023, following a less-than-dominant victory for the BJP in the state elections, exemplifies how personnel changes are used to address perceived weaknesses and reinforce control. For instance, Kanu Desai’s move from Finance Minister to Health Minister, and Rushikesh Patel's shift from Health Minister to Finance Minister, were presented as strategic adjustments aimed at improving performance in key sectors. The article also mentions the frequent transfers of district collectors and police chiefs, a practice that ensures local administration remains aligned with state-level directives.

This system isn’t without its potential drawbacks. Frequent changes can disrupt continuity in policy implementation and lead to a loss of institutional memory. New ministers require time to familiarize themselves with their portfolios and build relationships with officials, potentially slowing down decision-making processes. However, the BJP appears to have calculated that these short-term inefficiencies are outweighed by the long-term benefits of maintaining control and preventing power consolidation.

The article also touches upon the role of Narendra Modi himself in this system. Even after becoming Prime Minister, Modi continues to exert significant influence over Gujarat politics. His approval is reportedly required for key appointments and transfers, reinforcing his authority and ensuring that the “musical chairs” strategy remains aligned with his vision. This centralized control allows for a consistent application of the policy across different administrations.

The success of this approach has created a unique political culture in Gujarat where ministerial positions are viewed as temporary assignments rather than permanent entitlements. This fosters a sense of accountability, albeit one enforced from above, and discourages any attempts at independent power-building. The constant rotation also makes it difficult for opposition parties to establish strong local networks or identify consistent points of contact within the government.

Ultimately, The Print’s analysis suggests that the BJP's enduring grip on Gujarat is not solely based on ideological appeal or economic performance but is actively maintained through a sophisticated and adaptable system of personnel management – a carefully orchestrated “musical chairs” game that keeps the party firmly in control. The article concludes that this strategy, honed over decades, remains a cornerstone of the BJP’s political dominance in the state.

[ https://theprint.in/politics/bjps-musical-chairs-in-gujarat-the-tried-and-tested-formula-behind-its-3-decade-grip-on-power/2766276/ ]