Punjab's new Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has been again summoned by the Congress High Command to Delhi for the last-minute discussion over finalising and releasing the list of council ministers.
Reports say that in the meeting name for the state DGP could also be finalised.
State PPCC chief Navjot Sidhu has also been called to Delhi.
After deliberation with the party members on Thursday that went on till midnight till 2 am, Channi returned to Chandigarh on Friday.
The names for Channi's new cabinet ministers have almost been finalised. Although the list has received a wider nod, final feedback is being sought from senior leaders like Sunil Jakhar before the names are announced.
Currently, the official release of the list is awaiting and when the list is sent to the governor. Meanwhile, the swearing-in of the new cabinet ministers may take place within a day or two.
Sources closer to the development have said that around 23 MLAs have been shortlisted by Channi, Sidhu and his team and out of these 15 would be inducted into Punjab’s state cabinet.
The ministers are said to be carefully picked by Rahul Gandhi from the list.
It is learnt that Channi’s new ministry will have new faces and those loyal to former CM Capt Amarinder Singh are to be replaced. The ones who have cut the ministry include Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Raj Kumar Verka, Sangat Singh Gilzian, Randeep Nabha, Pargat Singh and Surjit Dhiman. At least seven from Captain’s cabinet have been retained by Channi.
The party has worked on several formulas to pick the ministers. Keeping caste and regional equations, there will be at least four Dalit and five Hindu leaders to be inducted. This has been done to strike a balance between Majha, Doaba and Malwa.
First-time MLAs will not be the ministry’s part, Sources said.
Dharamsor may be dropped by the party, Aruna Chaudhary’s place also remains unsure.
Valmiki leader Dr Raj Kumar Verka’s name is surfacing.
Apart from the ministers, the selection for DGP and advocate general will also be done by Mr Gandhi during the meeting. Sources said Channi wants Sidharth Chattopadhaya as DGP and DS Patwalia as AG.
Also Read: CM Channi holds 2 am meet with Rahul Gandhi over new cabinet formation; Sidhu excluded
The party is considering dropping those MLAs who are above 70, said sources.
It is said that Channi may give a position to Hindu leader Brahm Mohindra in his cabinet, as annoying him could come as a cost for the party.
Sources said Rana Kanwarpal Singh is likely to remain the Vidhan Sabha Speaker.