Five newly-elected MLAs take oath in Gujarat

Four former Congress legislators and an independent candidate, who won as BJP candidates in the recent bypolls in Gujarat, took oath in Gandhinagar. The BJP retained power in the December 2022 assembly elections, winning 156 out of 182 seats. The party's strength now stands at 161 with the addition of five more MLAs. The Congress turncoat list includes prominent leaders like Arjun Modhvadia, CJ Chavda, Arvind Ladani, and Chirag Patel. The resignations of these leaders came ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, as the BJP strategically inducted them to strengthen its position. Sources suggest that Modhvadia and CJ Chavda may soon be included in the state cabinet as the chief minister expands the cabinet. The Gujarat BJP unit is also set for a structural overhaul after state party president CR Patil joined the Union Cabinet.