The BJP on Tuesday turned the oath-taking ceremony of Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani in Gandhinagar into a grand spectacle attended by as many as 18 NDA chief ministers, including Nitish Kumar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was, of course, in attendance, with BJP chief Amit Shah in tow.

Also present were LK Advani from the party’s old vanguard and many seniors ministers from the Union Cabinet.

Rupani and his deputy Nitin Patel were administered the oath of office along with 19 other ministers by Gujarat governor Om Prakash Kohli, The Hindu reported.

CM for the second time, Rupani will have to face an aggressive and strong opposition in the state though the BJP last week returned to power in Gujarat for the sixth consecutive time. However, the party’s seats reduced to 99, while the Congress’ rose to 77.

Shankersinh Vaghela, former chief minister and one-time BJP leader, was also on the stage at Tuesday’s ceremony.