The expansion will take place at Raj Bhavan this evening; news agency ANI reported quoting sources.

Sources said that at least seven to eight new ministers may be inducted into the cabinet.

Jitin Prasad, who recently switched from Congress to BJP, is likely to be inducted as a minister. Besides Prasada, Sangeeta Balwant Bind, Chhatrapal Gangwar, Dharmveer Prajapati, Sanjay Gaur, Dinesh Khatik and Palturam are also in the fray.

TOI had earlier reported that the expansion is likely to amplify the OBC push in the reshuffle of the central council of ministers affected recently.

Representation for communities like Kurmi, Nishad and Rajbhar is in sync with the central leadership’s concerted bid to promote OBC leaders.

A record 27 OBC leaders were included in the central government in the recent reshuffle.

Meanwhile, there has also been a discussion within the party about the need to accommodate some allies like Apne Dal and Nishad Party.

Patel, 59, is a member of the legislative assembly from Ghatlodiya seat which was earlier held by former chief minister Anandiben Patel.

Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar made the announcement after Patel’s name was appointed at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislature party meeting held in Gandhinagar today. Tomar and union minister Pralhad Joshi were the central observers at the legislature party meeting. Outgoing chief minister Rupani proposed his name, Tomar said.

“Bhupandra Patel is capable. We believe BJP will win the upcoming elections in the state under his leadership,” Rupani said after the announcement.

The new chief minister, along with the council of minister, is likely to be sworn on September 13. Gujarat is slated to hold assembly elections by December 2022.

Rupani submitted his resignation along with that of his council of ministers to Governor Acharya Devvrat on September 11, paving the way for a change of guard in the state going to the polls in 15 months.