Punjab Cabinet Reshuffle: Punjab Cabinet set to welcome five new faces today
PTC News Desk: The Punjab Cabinet, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is set to welcome five new faces on Monday evening, following the decision to drop four existing ministers from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
While the official announcement regarding the new inductees and those being removed has yet to be made, sources within the government and AAP indicate that the following individuals are likely to join the Cabinet: Mohinder Bhagat, who recently won the Jalandhar West bypoll; Dr. Ravjot Singh, MLA from Sham Churasi; Tarunpreet Singh Sond, MLA from Khanna; Barinder Goyal, MLA from Lehragaga; and Hardeep Singh Mundian, MLA from Sahnewal.
Chief Minister Mann had previously stated that Bhagat would soon be part of the Cabinet. The government has also sought an appointment with Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to facilitate the induction of the new ministers on Monday evening.
Ministers Being Dropped
The ministers set to be dropped include Local Bodies Minister Balkaur Singh, Horticulture and Public Relations Minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra, Revenue Minister Brahm Shankar Jimpa, and Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Anmol Gagan Maan. Reports suggest that all four have submitted their resignations in advance of this reshuffle.
Recent Developments
In preparation for the Cabinet changes, several senior ministers were called to Delhi on Sunday afternoon for a meeting with top AAP leaders, including party chief Arvind Kejriwal. Prior to this meeting, senior party members were requested to compile a list of “honest MLAs” who could be considered for induction into the Council of Ministers. There are also indications that the portfolios of some existing ministers may be reassigned.
This marks the fourth Cabinet reshuffle during AAP’s 30-month governance in Punjab. Currently, the Cabinet comprises 15 ministers, including Chief Minister Mann, while the total permissible number is 18. Following this reshuffle, there will still be two vacant positions available in the Cabinet.
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