Punjab Cabinet Reshuffle: 4 ministers likely to be dropped, 5 new faces to be inducted

As political speculation mounts, the Punjab Government is poised for a significant Cabinet reshuffle on Monday, with reports indicating that four current Ministers may be dropped while five new faces could be inducted. Although there has been no official confirmation of this reshuffle either from the government or the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), sources suggested that the Governor’s approval has been sought, and discussions are ongoing among the party leaders.

Among the Ministers expected to face removal are Local Government Minister Balkaur Singh, Revenue Minister Brahm Shankar Jimpa, Horticulture Minister Chetan Singh Jauramajra, and Labour and Tourism Minister Anmol Gagan Mann. Their potential exit will mark a pivotal moment in Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s administration, which has already undergone several changes during its half term in the government.

The new faces likely to join the Cabinet include Jalandhar West MLA Mohinder Bhagat, Sahnewal MLA Hardeep Singh Mundian, Lehra MLA Barinder Kumar Goyal ‘Vakeel’, Sham Chaurasi MLA Dr Ravjot Singh, and Khanna MLA Tarunpreet Singh Sond.

The backdrop to this impending reshuffle stems from the recent political dynamics following the by-election victory in Jalandhar West, and vacant berth following two-time MLA Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer’s election to as the member of the Lok Sabha from Sangrur in recently-held general Elections.

Bhagat, in particular, has risen in political stature after his resounding victory in the Jalandhar by-election, where he secured a margin of over 37,000 votes. His electoral success has not only strengthened AAP’s position in Jalandhar and Doaba region but also enhanced the party’s overall credibility in the state, making him a valuable asset for the government as it seeks to broaden its appeal.

Apart from Chief Minister Mann’s promise to make Bhagat — a former BJP leader and a Dalit face — a minister in his Cabinet in the run up to bypolls, his inclusion in the Council of Ministers is seen as recognition of his growing influence and strong performance in the recent electoral contest.

In addition to the new appointments, the reshuffle could also result in changes to the portfolios of existing ministers.

Rumours of a Cabinet reshuffle have circulated since early July, fueled by ongoing discussions within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regarding the optimal configuration of the Punjab Cabinet. AAP's national leadership, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, is believed to be closely monitoring the situation, aiming to enhance governance and address the challenges facing the state.

The possible removal of some of the ministers has raised questions about their future roles within the party. Reports indicated that while they may be removed from their current cabinet positions, they could be assigned other significant roles within the AAP. This shift reflected the party's strategic approach to maintain party unity and effectiveness as it navigates through political challenges.

The reshuffle is anticipated to take place amid the backdrop of the Punjab Government’s ongoing initiatives and legislative agenda. With a total of 18 ministers permitted in the Punjab Cabinet, the upcoming changes could reinvigorate the government’s efforts in various sectors, including education, health, and agriculture.

The reshuffle marks the fourth such change in the State Government since the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) came to power in Punjab in Mach 2022, reflecting the dynamic nature of the political environment. In November the previous year, significant alterations were made, including the assignment of the mining portfolio to Chetan Singh Jauramajra and the sports ministry to Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, who recently resigned after being elected to the Lok Sabha.

Speculation about the new ministers is rife, with several candidates mentioned frequently in discussions. Hardeep Singh Mundia and Barinder Kumar Goyal are anticipated to bring fresh perspectives and energy to the cabinet. Dr Ravjot Singh and Tarunpreet Singh — both known for their respective expertise — are expected to contribute significantly to the governance framework.

As the reshuffle approaches, party leaders have refrained from making any official statements, maintaining an air of secrecy around the proceedings. However, the buzz among party ranks and the public highlights the critical nature of this cabinet restructuring.

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