On Friday when Gujarat cabinet’s expansion took place, one of the new faces in the team was of Rivaba Jadeja, the wife of Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja. She was sworn in as a minister of state.
Portfolios will be allocated to all the ministers later on.
While her induction in the cabinet might have been a surprise for the rest of the country, the political circles in Gujarat knew that the probability of her induction in the cabinet was strong.
Her appointment marks a significant milestone in what has been a rapid political rise since she first joined the BJP in 2019.
At just 34, Rivaba has emerged as one of the prominent young faces in Gujarat politics. Her induction into the 25-member Cabinet isn’t just symbolic — it’s part of the BJP’s broader strategy to inject fresh energy into the party, with an eye on regional balance ahead of upcoming local and 2027 state elections.
Who Is Rivaba Jadeja?
Born on November 2, 1990, in Rajkot, Rivaba comes from a family with a background in social service. A mechanical engineering graduate, she once had ambitions of becoming a bureaucrat. But her path changed, leading her into the political arena — a space where she has increasingly found her footing.
Her uncle, Hari Singh Solanki, is a well-known Congress leader in Rajkot, so politics runs in the family — though she chose to walk a very different ideological path.
Rivaba married cricketer Ravindra Jadeja in 2016. The couple lives in Rajkot, where they also run a restaurant, and are parents to a young daughter, Nidhyana.
Before joining mainstream politics, Rivaba was active in the Rajput outfit Karni Sena. She made headlines in 2018 during the group’s protests against Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film Padmaavat, which they claimed misrepresented historical facts. That same year, she was appointed head of the Karni Sena’s women’s wing, signaling her growing leadership credentials.
Entering The BJP
Rivaba’s political journey took a decisive turn in March 2019, when she officially joined the BJP. A few months earlier, she and her husband had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, sparking speculation about her political ambitions.
Despite being married to one of India’s most high-profile cricketers — known to fans as “Rockstar” Jadeja — Rivaba has worked hard to build her own identity in public life. She launched the Matrushakti Charitable Trust, focused on women’s empowerment in Rajkot and surrounding areas.
Her initiatives — from distributing sanitary napkins in rural villages to promoting savings schemes for young girls like the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana — have earned her local recognition and even a mention from Prime Minister Modi.
Political Rise
Rivaba contested her first election in 2022 from Jamnagar North, a seat the BJP had traditionally held. In a bold move, the party chose her over the sitting MLA, Dharmendrasinh Jadeja (Hakubha), a seasoned politician.
The gamble paid off. Rivaba won by a landslide margin of over 40,000 votes, securing 88,835 votes in total. Since then, her ascent in Gujarat politics has been swift.
On Friday, her efforts were rewarded when she was inducted into the state Cabinet — a clear sign of the trust and responsibility the BJP is willing to place in her.
What’s Next?
Now in a ministerial role, Rivaba faces a new set of challenges — and opportunities. While her political career has so far been marked by decisive wins and grassroots work, her next test will be delivering results as part of the governing team.
For someone who once dreamed of being a bureaucrat, she’s now in a position to shape policy herself. Whether her innings in governance will be as impactful as her entry into politics remains to be seen — but she’s certainly made a confident start.
Also Read: “Hello MLA”: Cricketer Ravindra Jadeja Congratulates Wife Rivaba https://www.vibesofindia.com/hello-mla-cricketer-ravindra-jadeja-congratulates-wife-rivaba/
