What Happened in the Recent Development?

Veteran politician Shankersinh Vaghela, currently 86 years old, has confirmed his willingness to return to the Congress party. Speaking directly to the media on September 30, 2026, Vaghela stated his clear political intention. In an interview with The Indian Express, he explicitly declared:

"To throw out the BJP government, I am ready to join (the Congress)."

According to reports, discussions are ongoing between Vaghela and the state Congress leadership. Gujarat Congress President Amit Chavda has indicated that the party has already begun its preparations for the 2027 assembly elections and that several dissatisfied leaders are expected to share a common platform with the Congress to bring about political change in the state.

Why is the Former CM Seeking a Return?

The primary reason cited for Vaghela's potential return is to consolidate the opposition against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Gujarat. Vaghela has indicated that he does not expect to gain any personal position or reward from the party leadership, but rather wishes to contribute his political experience to defeat the current government.

This development is strategically timed. It comes just ahead of the upcoming Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation elections scheduled for next month, and acts as a foundational move for the larger Gujarat Legislative Assembly elections proposed for December 2027.

Background: When Did Vaghela Leave the Congress?

Shankersinh Vaghela has a long and complex political history in Gujarat. He originally built the BJP's foundation in the state during the 1990s before splitting to form his own party and becoming the Chief Minister with Congress support in 1996. He officially merged his party with the Congress in 1999 and later served as a Union Cabinet Minister in the UPA-I government.

Vaghela served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Gujarat Assembly from 2013 until July 2017. He dramatically left the Congress party on his 77th birthday in 2017, just ahead of a crucial Rajya Sabha election.

Since his 2017 exit, Vaghela explored various political avenues. He formed the Jan Vikalp Party, later joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 2019, and eventually founded the Praja Shakti Democratic Party (PSDP) in 2020.

1. 1990sOriginally built the BJP's foundation in the state.
2. 1996Became Chief Minister with Congress support after forming his own party.
3. 1999Officially merged his party with the Congress; later served as a Union Cabinet Minister in the UPA-I government.
4. 2013 – July 2017Served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Gujarat Assembly.
5. 2017Left the Congress party on his 77th birthday, just ahead of a crucial Rajya Sabha election.
6. 2019Joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), after forming the Jan Vikalp Party.
7. 2020Founded the Praja Shakti Democratic Party (PSDP).

What Does This Move Mean for Gujarat Politics?

For the Congress party, which has faced significant electoral challenges in Gujarat in recent years, bringing back a seasoned strategist like Vaghela could provide a much-needed boost in regional leadership. In the current 182-member Gujarat Assembly, the Congress holds a significantly reduced number of seats. Vaghela’s return is seen as an attempt to unite various anti-BJP factions and veteran leaders under a single opposition umbrella before the 2027 state elections.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?

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