CHANDIGARH, 2 July —The Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab is set to undergo its seventh Cabinet expansion on Thursday, marking another key political move in its three-year tenure.
Sanjeev Arora, the newly elected MLA from Ludhiana West, will be sworn in as a minister at Punjab Raj Bhawan on Thursday afternoon. His induction had been confirmed by both Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal even before his election. Kejriwal had promised during the Ludhiana West campaign that Arora would be given a Cabinet berth if elected.
While Arora’s entry is certain, uncertainty looms over whether any additional ministers will be inducted into the Cabinet, which currently has 16 members. Punjab can have a maximum of 18 ministers, including the chief minister.
Sources said the expansion had been delayed due to the unavailability of Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, but with the Governor now back, the oath-taking ceremony is proceeding as scheduled.
There is also speculation of a possible reshuffle in ministerial portfolios, though there has been no official confirmation from the Chief Minister’s Office.
This development follows a period of intense political activity and is seen as part of AAP’s efforts to consolidate its position ahead of future electoral challenges in the state.
