Rivaba Jadeja: Jamnagar North MLA Rises to Minister in Gujarat Cabinet

Rivaba Ravindrasinh Jadeja, a first-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Jamnagar North, has been officially inducted as a minister in the recently reshuffled 26-member Gujarat Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Her swearing-in marks a significant development in her relatively young political career, which began with her election to the state assembly in 2022.

Background and Political Entry

Born on November 2, 1990, in Rajkot, Gujarat, Rivaba Jadeja’s maiden name was Rivasinh Hardevsinh Solanki. She holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering, having graduated from Gujarat Technological University. She is married to the popular Indian cricketer, Ravindra Jadeja, whom she wed in 2016.

Rivaba Jadeja’s formal foray into active politics began when she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in March 2019. Her political profile gained significant public attention when she was nominated as the BJP candidate for the Jamnagar North Assembly constituency in the 2022 Gujarat state elections. She successfully won the seat, defeating her closest rival from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) with a substantial margin.

Focus on Social Work and Women Empowerment

Prior to and alongside her political work, Rivaba Jadeja has been engaged in social service. She is associated with a non-governmental organization (NGO) called Shree Matrushakti Charitable Trust, which focuses on various initiatives, particularly those aimed at the assistance and empowerment of women. Her work in this sphere has been highlighted as a key aspect of her public service.

Cabinet Induction

Her inclusion in the Gujarat Council of Ministers comes as part of a significant cabinet reshuffle undertaken by the BJP, which saw the resignation of most ministers (excluding the Chief Minister) to pave the way for a “strategic reset.” This move is widely viewed as the party’s effort to infuse new, younger faces into the government and to ensure regional and community balance in the administration, with an eye on upcoming local polls and the 2027 state assembly elections.

At 34, Rivaba Jadeja’s elevation to the ministerial post, possibly as a Minister of State, reflects a rising profile within the Gujarat BJP unit and is seen as an encouraging step toward increased representation for women in the state’s governance.