List of Former Chief Ministers of Gujarat (1966-2024)

Gujarat, a state known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant economy, and remarkable industrial growth, has witnessed dynamic political leadership since its formation on May 1, 1960. As a significant contributor to India’s socio-economic landscape, Gujarat has seen several stalwarts guiding its political helm as Chief Ministers over the decades. Here, we delve into the annals of Gujarat’s political history to explore the list of former Chief Ministers who have shaped the state’s trajectory from its inception to the present day.

Chief Ministers of Gujarat

Since its inception, Gujarat has seen 18 Chief Ministers. Jivraj Narayan Mehta of the Congress became the first CM in 1960. Congress ruled the state seven times. BJP’s victory in 1995 marked a shift in power, remaining in control since. Narendra Modi served the longest term, from 2001 to 2014, before becoming India’s Prime Minister. The Janata Party held office in 1977. Gujarat experienced President’s rule five times, showcasing its political flux.

First Chief Minister of Gujarat

Jivraj Narayan Mehta, Gujarat’s first Chief Minister from 1960 to September 1963, laid the groundwork for the state’s progress following its formation. His visionary leadership during this foundational period set the tone for Gujarat’s developmental trajectory, leaving a lasting impact on its political and socio-economic landscape.

Current Chief Minister of Gujarat

Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel assumed office as Gujarat’s 18th Chief Minister on December 12, 2022. His appointment marks a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape, ushering in new leadership and initiatives aimed at addressing contemporary challenges and fostering continued growth and development across Gujarat.

Longest Serving Chief Minister of Gujarat

Narendra Modi holds the record for the longest tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, serving for twelve and a half years from 2001 to 2014. His resignation in 2014 marked the end of an era in Gujarat’s political landscape, as he ascended to the position of the 14th Prime Minister of India, leaving behind a legacy of transformative governance and development initiatives in the state.

List of Former Chief Ministers of Gujarat (1960-2024)

Since its inception, Gujarat has seen 18 Chief Ministers. Jivraj Narayan Mehta of the Congress became the first CM in 1960.

Here is the complete list of former Chief Ministers of Gujarat from 1960 – 2024 along with their serving period:

List of Former Chief Ministers of Gujarat (1960-2024)
S. No.	Name	From	To
1.	Jivraj Narayan Mehta	01 May 1960	03 Mar 1962
2.	Jivraj Narayan Mehta	03 Mar 1962	19 Sep 1963
3.	Balwantrai Mehta	19 Sep 1963	19 Sep 1965
4.	Hitendra Kanaiyalal	19 Sep 1965	03 Apr 1967
5.	Hitendra Kanaiyalal	03 Apr 1967	12 May 1971
6.	President’s Rule	13 May 1971	17 Mar 1972
7.	Ghanshyam Oza	17 Mar 1972	17 Jul 1973
8.	Chimanbhai Patel	17 Jul 1973	09 Feb 1974
9.	President’s Rule	09 Feb 1974	18 Jun 1975
10.	Babubhai J. Patel	18 Jun 1975	12 Mar 1976
11.	President’s Rule	12 Jun 1976	24 Dec 1976
12.	Madhav Singh Solanki	24 Dec 1976	10 Apr 1977
13.	Babubhai J. Patel	11 Apr 1977	17 Feb 1980
14.	President’s Rule	17 Feb 1980	06 Jun 1980
15.	Madhav Singh Solanki	07 Jun 1980	10 Mar 1985
16.	Madhav Singh Solanki	11 Mar 1985	06 Jul 1985
17.	Amarsinh Chaudhary	06 Jul 1985	09 Dec 1989
18.	Madhav Singh Solanki	10 Dec 1989	03 Mar 1990
19.	Chimanbhai Patel	04 Mar 1990	25 Oct 1990
20.	Chimanbhai Patel	25 Oct 1990	17 Feb 1994
21.	Chhabildas Mehta	17 Feb 1994	13 Mar 1995
22.	Keshubhai Patel	14 Mar 1995	21 Oct 1995
23.	Suresh Mehta	21 Oct 1995	19 Sep 1996
24.	President’s Rule	19 Sep 1996	23 Oct 1996
25.	Shankersinh Vaghela	23 Oct 1996	27 Oct 1997
26.	Dilip Parikh	28 Oct 1997	04 Mar 1998
27.	Keshubhai Patel	04 Mar 1998	06 Oct 2001
28.	Narendra Modi	07 Oct 2001	22 Dec 2002
29.	Narendra Modi	22 Dec 2002	22 Dec 2007
30.	Narendra Modi	23 Dec 2007	20 Dec 2012
31.	Narendra Modi	20 Dec 2012	22 May 2014
32.	Anandiben Patel	22 May 2014	07 Aug 2016
33.	Vijay Rupani	07 Aug 2016	26 Dec 2017
34.	Vijay Rupani	26 Dec 2017	13 Sep 2021
35.	Bhupendra Patel	13 Sep 2021	12 Dec 2022
36.	Bhupendra Patel	12 Dec 2022	Incumbent

FAQs

Who was the first Chief Minister of Gujatat?

Jivraj Narayan Mehta, Gujarat's first Chief Minister from 1960 to September 1963, laid the groundwork for the state's progress following its formation.