A day after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann dropped four ministers from his Cabinet, five new Ministers were inducted into his Council of Ministers on Monday. The newly-appointed Ministers — Hardeep Singh Mundian, Barinder Kumar Goyal, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Dr Ravjot Singh, and Mohinder Bhagat — were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Gulab Chand Kataria in a brief yet solemn ceremony held at Punjab Raj Bhawan.
The swearing-in ceremony, which lasted approximately 20 minutes, saw the presence of Chief Minister Mann, Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Cabinet Ministers, senior party members, MLAs, and the families of the new ministers.
The new inductees, who now form part of Mann’s revamped Cabinet, were selected following the extensive background checks conducted by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership. AAP’s top brass had reportedly sought inputs from its MPs and senior leaders to ensure that the new Ministers were individuals with clean and honest records.
After the oath, the new Ministers expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister, with some even hugging him and shaking hands. Mundian, in a moment of humility, touched the feet of both the Governor and the Chief Minister to seek their blessings. The ceremony, though quiet, carried significant weight as it represented a major reshuffling of the state’s leadership.
This Cabinet expansion brings the total number of ministers in the Punjab Government to 16, although two slots remain vacant, leaving room for future appointments. With the induction of new ministers, Chief Minister Mann aimed at strengthening his administration, especially ahead of the political challenges that lie ahead.
The reshuffle had been anticipated since the results of the Lok Sabha elections were declared in June, and the speculation about changes in the Cabinet had been growing. The decision to induct the new members came after four sitting Ministers — Balkaur Singh, Brahm Shankar Jimpa, Chetan Singh Jouramajra, and Anmol Gagan Mann — submitted their resignations on Sunday. The removal of these ministers followed months of public and internal discussions about their performance and public image.
Mann’s move to reshuffle his Cabinet is viewed as a step to rejuvenate the government, especially as he aimed to push forward with key reforms in the state. His administration has been under pressure to perform, with critics questioning the pace of development in Punjab. By bringing in fresh faces, Mann appeared to be signaling a renewed commitment to the state’s governance.
Portfolio Reshuffling Following Cabinet Rejig
As the new Ministers took their oaths, the reshuffling of key portfolios was quickly set in motion. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann retained eight significant ministries, including Home Affairs and Justice, Legal and Legislative Affairs, Sports and Youth Services, and Personnel. His decision to hold on to these critical departments highlighted his intent to oversee key areas directly as his government embarks on implementing its broader agenda.
Former Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha Harpal Singh Cheema, who remains one of the most trusted figures in Mann’s administration, was handed the Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation portfolios. Cheema’s continued leadership in these ministries suggested the government’s focus on economic management and revenue generation, particularly as Punjab navigates financial challenges.
Two-time MLA Aman Arora, another key figure in Mann’s Cabinet, was assigned five ministries, including New and Renewable Energy, Employment Generation and Training, and Governance Reforms. With a spotlight on energy sustainability and job creation, Arora’s role is crucial as the state aimed at driving growth through greener policies and employment initiatives.
Dr Balbir Singh, a stalwart in the government, retained Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education — key portfolios — as the state continues to battle health challenges and works towards enhancing its medical infrastructure. His leadership in these departments will continue to focus on improving healthcare delivery and expanding educational opportunities in the medical field.
Among the new appointees, Barinder Kumar Goyal was given three ministries, including Mines and Geology, while Tarunpreet Singh Sond took charge of four ministries, including Tourism and Culture Affairs, Industry and Commerce, and Rural Development. Their roles in these portfolios are expected to boost industrial growth and enhance Punjab’s tourism sector, contributing to rural development and economic diversification in the state.
Dr Ravjot Singh, another new inductee, was named Parliamentary Affairs Minister. His experience and insights will be vital as the Mann Government aimed at improving legislative efficiency and coordination in the Assembly.
Hardeep Singh Mundian, who took over the Revenue, Rehabilitation, and Disaster Management departments, along with Housing and Urban Development, will play a critical role in addressing challenges related to urbanization and disaster preparedness.
Meanwhile, Lal Singh Kataruchak will continues to oversee Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, a key ministry responsible for managing essential commodities in the state, especially at a time when food security remains a significant concern for Punjab.
Harjot Singh Bains, one of the more dynamic figures in the Cabinet, retained education portfolio, overseeing the work as Technical Education and Industrial Training, Higher Education, and School Education Minister, signaling a continued focus on improving educational standards and aligning technical skills with industry demands.
The reshuffle also saw seasoned politicians like Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and Gurmeet Singh Khudian retaining crucial departments. Dhaliwal will be overseeing NRI Affairs and Administrative Reforms, while Khudian’s leadership in Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare is key in the agrarian state of Punjab.
As for Mohinder Bhagat, he will head three ministries, including Defence Services Welfare and Horticulture, further broadening his scope in addressing the welfare of service personnel and promoting horticultural growth.
The reshuffle, coming at a crucial time for the Mann government, sets the stage for a new phase in Punjab’s governance, with an emphasis on performance and accountability. The newly appointed ministers, all bringing fresh energy to the table, are expected to work toward improving the state’s economic, social, and political landscape.
Punjab CM Removes Close Aide-OSD Onkar Singh Amid Cabinet Reshuffle
A day after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann dropped four ministers from his Cabinet, the political shake-up continued as Mann removed his close aide and Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Prof Onkar Singh on Monday. Singh, who hails from Sangrur, had been a trusted confidant of the Chief Minister, having been appointed as OSD in August 2022 in recognition of his loyalty and long-standing friendship with Mann.
Onkar Singh had been handling the affairs of Dhuri Assembly segment, which Mann represents, and was also overseeing political activities related to the Chief Minister’s wife Dr Gurpreet Kaur. His term as OSD was tied to the CM’s tenure, and he had also served as OSD to the Chairman of the Punjab Rural Development Board, a position held by Mann.
The sudden removal of Onkar Singh has raised eyebrows, particularly as it followed the major Cabinet reshuffle that saw four ministers being dropped. However, the reason behind his removal remains unclear. Sources indicate that Mann’s decision may be part of a broader strategy to reset his administration and signal changes ahead.
This development comes just a day after ministers Chetan Singh Jauramajra, Brahm Shankar Jimpa, Balkar Singh, and Anmol Gagan Mann were removed from the Cabinet amid controversies surrounding their performances and public image.
Know the New Ministers
· Mohinder Bhagat, a seasoned political figure at 66, emerged victorious in Jalandhar West by-poll this year, defeating BJP’s Sheetal Angural by a margin of 19,404 votes. His triumph came after 13 rounds of vote counting, where Bhagat maintained a commanding lead throughout, ultimately securing 37,325 votes. Bhagat, the son of veteran BJP leader Chunni Lal Bhagat, has deep political roots, which have helped him build a strong local presence. Backed by extensive campaigning from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Bhagat’s election win paved the way for his appointment as a cabinet minister, fulfilling a key promise to the constituency.
· Dr Ravjot Singh, a 47-year-old MD from PGIMER-Chandigarh, and a dedicated physician, has seamlessly blended his medical expertise with public service. Running a hospital in Hoshiarpur, Dr Ravjot entered politics with a strong commitment to bettering his community. After a narrow defeat in 2017 Assembly elections, he remained resolute, eventually securing a decisive win from the Sham Chaurasi constituency in 2022, as AAP swept Punjab. Known for his integrity and hands-on approach, he has consistently prioritized healthcare initiatives, modernizing infrastructure, and organizing medical camps for the underprivileged in his region.
· Barinder Kumar Goyal, a seasoned 65-year-old lawyer, has risen as a key figure in Punjab's political landscape. Known locally as “Barinder Kumar Goyal Vakeel”, he first contested the Lehragaga Assembly seat in 1992 on a BJP ticket, finishing second to former Chief Minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal. After decades of legal and political engagement, Goyal joined AAP in 2022, securing a decisive victory against SAD (Sanyukt) candidate Parminder Singh Dhindsa by 26,518 votes. He has also served as president of the Sunam Bar Association thrice and founded the Lehra Vikas Manch, further solidifying his leadership in local governance.
· Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, a dedicated AAP stalwart and the party’s state vice-president, has been a driving force in Punjab’s politics. At just 40, Sondh made a significant mark by winning the Khanna assembly seat in Ludhiana with a decisive margin of over 35,000 votes, defeating SAD’s Jasdeep Kaur Yadu. His victory, coupled with his commitment to grassroots development and addressing local issues, has earned him the trust of his constituents. Known for his hands-on approach, Sondh has championed key issues such as infrastructure, education, and rural development, making him a dynamic new face in the state’s Cabinet.
· Hardeep Singh Mundian, a dynamic political figure in Punjab, emerged victorious in his debut election, securing the Sahnewal constituency in Ludhiana by defeating Congress’s Vikram Singh Bajwa with a margin of over 15,000 votes. A former member of the Lok Insaaf Party, Mundian made a significant shift in 2021 by joining AAP, which led to his fielding and subsequent win. His journey from an independent party to a prominent AAP leader showcases his strategic adaptability and strong grassroots connection with the people of Sahnewal, solidifying his place in Punjab’s political landscape.
