Punjab CM Mann Drops Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal Amid Cabinet Reshuffle. Photo Credit: indianexpress
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has removed Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal from his cabinet during a significant reshuffle, paving the way for newly elected Ludhiana West MLA Sanjeev Arora to join the state government, reported The Indian Express. The move comes ahead of the upcoming Tarn Taran bypoll, reflecting a calculated political realignment.
Cabinet Makeup Tweaked Before Bypoll
Dhaliwal, the AAP MLA from Ajnala, submitted his resignation after being asked by Mann to step aside. The official reasoning is to reserve a ministerial position from the Majha region for the impending by-election in Tarn Taran, where the seat fell vacant due to the death of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh.
Arora Takes Over NRI & Industry Portfolios
Sanjeev Arora, who recently won the Ludhiana West seat, was sworn in as a cabinet minister and assigned the NRI Affairs, Industry, and Investment Promotion portfolios. With Dhaliwal’s exit, the total number of ministers remains unchanged at 16, maintaining two vacant seats.
Dhaliwal Reflects on His Resignation
Kuldeep Dhaliwal emphasized that he stepped down voluntarily at the CM’s request. He noted that giving opportunities to other MLAs is standard party practice. “Punjab comes first; post and department don’t matter,” he said, reiterating that he remains a loyal party member ready to serve in other capacities.
Political Dynamics at Play
Dhaliwal’s removal comes after a gradual reduction in his portfolios. In February, he was stripped of Administrative Reforms—a department that was later abolished—following which he retained only NRI Affairs. This further consolidation suggests internal recalibration over past months.
Strategic Realignment or Routine Reshuffle?
By inducting a minister from Ludhiana West and retaining cabinet strength, Mann’s government may be aiming to bolster geographical representation and consolidate AAP’s dominance in crucial heartland areas ahead of future elections.
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