Former Gujarat CM Shankarsinh Vaghela likely to return to Congress

October 1, 2026

Gandhinagar: Former Gujarat Chief Minister Shankarsinh Vaghela is likely to rejoin the Congress. According to party sources, the 86-year-old Vaghela has expressed his desire to return to the party.

The Gujarat Congress state unit has reportedly approved his return, although final approval from the party’s central leadership is still pending.

Preparations to make him a star campaigner in the upcoming elections

According to party sources, the Gujarat Congress wants Vaghela to return to the party as soon as possible. Preparations are underway to field him as a star campaigner in the upcoming Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation elections.

When senior Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil was asked about Vaghela’s return, he did not directly confirm it. He said, “Let’s wait and see,” and the correct answer will come at the right time.

Long political journey from Jan Sangh to Congress

Shankarsinh Vaghela has a long experience in Gujarat politics. He began his political career with the Jan Sangh. He later played a key role in strengthening the Bharatiya Janata Party’s organization in Gujarat. During this time, he was associated with leaders like Keshubhai Patel and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Following internal differences within the BJP, Vaghela split from the party in 1996 and formed his own party, the Rashtriya Janata Party (RJP).

Vaghela became the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 1996 with the support of the Congress and held this position until 1997. His party then merged with the Congress in 1998.

During his long political career with the Congress, Vaghela held several important positions. He served as the Union Minister of Textiles in the UPA government and also served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly.

However, in 2017, he severed his ties with the Congress.

Awaiting Central Leadership Approval

If the Congress high command approves Vaghela’s return, it will mark another significant turning point in his long political journey.

The Gujarat Congress wants to utilize Vaghela’s political experience and contacts in the upcoming municipal elections as well as the upcoming assembly elections.

Party workers and political observers are currently watching the final decision of the Congress central leadership.