Charanjit Singh Channi, today took oath as the new Chief Minister of Punjab at the Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh in presence of Rahul Gandhi and other dignitaries. Now, all the eyes stand on
his cabinet of ministers, which according to sources already holds special positions for Navjot Sidhu’s close aide and PPCC general secretary in charge Pargat Singh.
With less than six months to 2022 Punjab Assembly polls, in what could be called an “election stunt” congress made Channi, state’s first Sikh Dalit CM. Meanwhile, two deputy
Chief ministers representing both Jat Sikh and Hindu communities were sworn in. Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and OP Soni are the two deputy CMs of Punjab.
On September 18, former state Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder tendered his resignation along with that of his cabinet of ministers.
Now, Charanjit Channi’s cabinet is a matter of discussion in political circles. Sources familiar with the situation claim that ministers close to Mr Amarinder are most likely to be
left out, causing a stir among Capt’s camp.
Notably, Brahm Mohindra was to be sworn in as second deputy CM along with Randhawa. However, plans were changed last minute and OP Soni outpaced him.
Mohindra currently serving as Minister of Local Government, Parliamentary Affairs, Elections and Removal of Grievances, is a close aide to Capt Amarinder and is likely to be replaced by
Amrinder Singh Raja Warring.
Also Read: Highlights: Charanjit Channi addresses first press conference after taking oath as Punjab CM
Pargat Singh is most likely to replace Sunder Sham Arora and might be offered a big role in Channi’s cabinet. Sources claim that he could be given the Local body ministry as he’s
been vocal about the development of urban and rural areas and the new government has to face the challenge of fulfilling poll promises.
Besides these, Manpreet Singh Badal, Tripat Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Aruna Chaudhary, Razia Sultana, Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria, Vijay Inder Singla are the probable ministers to be in the cabinet
of newly appointed Punjab CM.
Notably, these legislators are close to Capt's arch-rival, Punjab PCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu.
Meanwhile, Sadhu Singh Dharamsot and Sunder Sham Arora could also be dropped in the Punjab Cabinet of Ministers.
According to the latest update, new Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi held his first meeting of ministers at Pargat Singh’s house. Navjot Sidhu, Kuljit Nagra were among the attendees.