sanjeev-arora-likely-to-join-punjab-cabinet-this-week

After securing victory in the Ludhiana West bypoll, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is now preparing to expand its Cabinet, which is expected to take place later this week.

 

Newly elected MLA Sanjeev Arora is all set to be inducted as a minister in the Bhagwant Mann-led government.

 

During the run-up to the Assembly bypoll, AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal had announced Sanjeev Arora’s inclusion in the Bhagwant Mann Cabinet.

Though a reshuffling of ministerial portfolios is on the cards, sources suggest that at least two current Cabinet ministers may be asked to step down. Besides Sanjeev Arora, two other MLAs from the Malwa region, including a second-term MLA, are likely to be inducted as ministers in the Cabinet. The name of a woman MLA from Malwa is also being discussed as a strong contender.

 

It is pertinent to mention that the Punjab Cabinet can have18 ministers, including the Chief Minister. At present, there are 16 serving ministers. The impending reshuffle will mark the seventh such change during the AAP government's three-year tenure. The most recent reshuffle occurred in September 2024, when five new ministers were inducted in the Cabinet after four were dropped from the Cabinet.

 

The Cabinet reshuffle is expected to take place alongside the AAP’s Political Affairs Committee meeting scheduled for later this week. During the meeting, the party is also likely to decide on Sanjeev Arora’s replacement as Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab is to be taken. Arvind Kejriwal has already stated that he will not be seeking a Rajya Sabha nomination.

 

Speculation is growing around the possible political comeback of an AAP MLA from the Majha region. Key developments are expected within the coming week. The party has been closely observing the political and social engagement of MLAs currently in the "consideration zone," and discussions are now expected to take place between the AAP leadership and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

 

The party’s decisive victory in Ludhiana, where it secured over 39 per cent of the vote share, has infused fresh energy into the party. As it gears up for the 2027 Assembly elections, the leadership is now looking to introduce “new faces having a strong public connect.”

 

The win has come as a much-needed morale booster for AAP after its recent setback in the Delhi Assembly polls. The party is now considering going for another bypoll in Banga, where Akali MLA Dr Sukhwinder Sukhi joined AAP last year. Sukhi may soon resign and another bypoll may take place in the constituency.