Mohinder Bhagat, the newly-elected Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Jalandhar West, officially took his oath of office on Wednesday, signaling a significant step forward in his political journey. The ceremony took place at Punjab Vidhan Sabha in Chandigarh, where Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan administered the oath, marking Bhagat's formal induction as the representative of Jalandhar West.
Prior to the oath-taking ceremony, Bhagat, accompanied by his family, met Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who congratulated him and offered sweets in celebration of his new role.
Speculation is rife that Bhagat will soon be inducted into the Punjab Cabinet, a move anticipated since Mann’s campaign promise during the by-election. Mann had assured the voters that Bhagat would be made a Minister if he won, a commitment he reiterated from the stage, emphasizing his intent to fulfill this pledge.
The resignation of two-time MLA and Sangrur MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer from his ministerial post following his victory in the Lok Sabha elections has left a vacancy in the Cabinet. Mohinder Bhagat is a strong contender to fill this gap, particularly as the Sports Minister — a portfolio handled by Meet Hayer — given Jalandhar’s reputation as a hub for sports industries and Bhagat’s personal experience in the sector. His background in the sports industry makes him well-suited to address the challenges and opportunities within this portfolio.
Bhagat’s political lineage adds weight to his anticipated Cabinet position. His father, Chunni Lal Bhagat, served as a Minister in the Akali-BJP coalition government. Although the senior Bhagat had already announced retirement from active politics, his legacy continues through Mohinder Bhagat, who transitioned from the BJP to AAP and secured a decisive victory in the Jalandhar West by-election recently.
Bhagat garnered 55,246 votes, significantly outpacing his competitors from the BJP, Congress, Akali Dal, and independents, who collectively managed 39,363 votes.
Chief Minister Mann's focused efforts during Bhagat’s campaign were instrumental in this victory. By promising Bhagat's elevation to the Cabinet, Mann aimed to strengthen support in Jalandhar West, an area currently underrepresented in the AAP Government. While MLA Balkar Singh from Kartarpur holds a ministerial portfolio, Bhagat’s inclusion would add an urban Jalandhar representative to the Cabinet.
Sources indicate that Mann does not plan extensive reshuffles in the Cabinet, with Bhagat being the primary new addition. As preparations commence for Bhagat’s induction into the Cabinet, the Punjab Government has sought time from the Governor’s House for the swearing-in ceremony.
