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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
Jivraj Narayan Mehta, Gujarat's first Chief Minister from 1960 to September 1963, laid the groundwork for the state's progress following its formation.
Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel assumed office as Gujarat's 18th Chief Minister on December 12, 2022.
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.
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