Gujarat CM’s Office Gets a New Team Ahead of 2027 Polls, Signals BJP’s Early Election Blueprint

Ahmedabad: Even as the Gujarat Assembly elections are nearly two years away, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has begun laying the groundwork for 2027. Following recent political and administrative reshuffles, the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has undergone a significant restructuring ahead of the New Year, a move widely seen as strengthening Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s governance apparatus.

The changes come soon after the appointment of M.K. Das as the new Chief Secretary of Gujarat. A 1990-batch IAS officer and the senior-most bureaucrat of the Gujarat cadre, Das has put in place what is being described as his own handpicked team in the CMO. Political observers believe this team will play a crucial role over the next two years, leading up to the Assembly elections scheduled for October–November 2027.

New Power Structure in the CMO

The most significant appointment is that of Sanjeev Kumar, a 1998-batch IAS officer, as the new Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister. Seen as the key power centre within the CMO, Kumar will effectively lead the Chief Minister’s Office. Prior to this role, he served as Principal Secretary in the Forest and Environment Department. Notably, he has also been entrusted with the Home Department portfolio, underlining the confidence placed in him by the political leadership.

Dr. Vikrant Pandey, a 2005-batch IAS officer, has been elevated to the post of Additional Principal Secretary in the CMO. Along with this promotion, he has been given charge of the Information and Public Relations Department. His role is expected to be pivotal in shaping the government’s public image, strengthening outreach, and sharpening communication strategies as the state moves closer to the election cycle.

Another key addition is Dr. Ajay Kumar, a 2006-batch IAS officer who has returned from central deputation. He has been appointed as Secretary in the CMO and given additional responsibilities for the time being. Officials indicate that once the next round of IAS transfers takes place, he is likely to focus exclusively on CMO-related work, contributing to faster decision-making and improved administrative coordination.

Strengthening ‘Dada’

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, fondly referred to as “Dada” by the people of Gujarat, remains personally uncontroversial even after completing nearly four years in office. The overhaul of the CMO is being viewed as a deliberate attempt to further consolidate his position and enhance governance efficiency.

The induction of officers who have recently served at the Centre is also being seen as a strategic move. On one hand, it ensures closer coordination with New Delhi; on the other, it brings in administrators experienced in central governance, expected to accelerate policy implementation and improve administrative delivery in the state.

With key departments such as Home and Information now firmly aligned with the CMO, the reshuffle signals that Gujarat’s administrative machinery is being fine-tuned well in advance—an early indication that the BJP is leaving little to chance as it prepares for the 2027 Assembly elections.