Chandigarh, January 8: Punjab Power, Industry and Investment Promotion Minister Sanjeev Arora was on Thursday assigned the crucial Local Government department in a Cabinet reshuffle approved by Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, significantly expanding his influence in the Bhagwant Mann government.
The Local Government portfolio, earlier held by Dr Ravjot, has now been transferred to Arora, while Dr Ravjot has been given charge of the NRI Affairs department along with Parliamentary Affairs. Arora had previously been handling NRI Affairs in addition to Industry, Investment Promotion and Power.
Official sources said the changes were finalised after discussions between Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal during the latter’s ongoing visit to Punjab. The proposal was sent to the Governor earlier in the day and received formal approval later.
With the latest allocation, Arora now controls four key departments, making him one of the most influential ministers in the Cabinet just six months after his induction. He was initially inducted with Industry, Investment Promotion and NRI Affairs, and was given the Power department within a month.
“Arora’s administrative handling and his ability to communicate with urban stakeholders have worked in his favour,” a senior government official said.
A businessman by profession, Arora was AAP’s nominee to the Rajya Sabha before winning the Ludhiana West Assembly bypoll in June 2025. Party insiders say his growing prominence reflects the leadership’s trust in his performance.
A party leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, linked the move to upcoming civic elections. “Municipal Corporation polls are around the corner. The Local Government department plays a direct role in urban governance and outreach,” the leader said.
Ward demarcation for the municipal elections is currently underway under the Local Government department, placing Arora at the centre of preparations for the polls, which are expected to be announced soon.
