Punjab Cabinet reshuffle: CM Bhagwant Mann removes his OSD Onkar Singh; more ministers likely to be dropped
PTC Web Desk: In a significant political development, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has removed his Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Onkar Singh, from the post. The reasons for his dismissal remain unclear, but the OSD role is considered highly critical, as the office handles the Chief Minister’s day-to-day affairs and provides counsel on important matters. Onkar Singh had been serving as CM Mann's OSD since August 31, 2022.
Along with the removal of his OSD, CM Bhagwant Mann has also planning to undertake a major reshuffle of his Cabinet this evening. According to reliable sources, he has already dropped four ministers, making way for five new faces.
The new ministers are expected to take their oath of office at 5 pm at the Raj Bhawan today. This reshuffle, which has been speculated for the last three months, was initially expected right after the Lok Sabha Elections. However, it was delayed due to the Jalandhar by-election. The timing of this change, right between the Haryana Assembly elections and the Panchayat polls, has caught many by surprise.
As per sources, the reshuffling of the Punjab Cabinet is largely performance-driven. According to sources, the decision to remove certain ministers is based on their "poor performance and feedback from their constituencies". Additionally, caste considerations have played a role in the new appointments, with the government focusing on ensuring representation across key regions and communities.
One notable appointment is that of Mohinder Bhagat, a legislator from Jalandhar. His inclusion in the Punjab Cabinet is seen as a "return gift" to the region, following CM Mann’s promise during the byelections that Bhagat would be made a minister if elected. Bhagat’s elevation serves as a key political move, with Mann fulfilling his electoral promise.
One of the key ministers likely to be dismissed from the Cabinet is Balkaur Singh. His exit is attributed to the circulation of a controversial video, which has been a major source of embarrassment for the government. The opposition has been quick to capitalise on this scandal, questioning the government's stance on morality and governance. Additionally, Singh held the critical Local Bodies portfolio, but both ministers and MLAs expressed dissatisfaction with his performance. Given the upcoming municipal elections, Singh’s removal was seen as a necessary step.
Another minister, Anmol Gagan Mann, is being removed due to "her lack of activity in her constituency". It is reported that her unavailability and the delegation of her responsibilities to family members had caused growing resentment among her constituents". Her recent statement alleging that officers were collecting bribes in her name raised concerns within the administration.
The rumoured removal of Chetan Singh Jouramajra and Brahm Shankar Jhimpa has raised eyebrows. Both were considered close allies of CM Mann, and Jhimpa, in particular, was an active minister. While there are no major controversies surrounding them, it is believed that they may be shifted to organisational roles within the AAP party.
The reshuffle also appears to be an effort to maintain caste balance within the Cabinet. As the Mann government approaches the midway point of its term, the objective is to ensure adequate representation for all communities. Legislators from various caste groups have been strategically positioned to lead key districts.
Barinder Goyal, an advocate and MLA from Lehragaga, has been included in the Cabinet. His addition ensures representation for the Bania community, which had been without a minister in the Punjab Cabinet since the dismissal of Vijay Singla on corruption charges. The Bania community, which holds influence in several constituencies, is crucial for the AAP’s political calculations.
Similarly, Mohinder Bhagat, MLA from Jalandhar West, is another Scheduled Caste face in the reshuffle. Along with Bhagat, the name of Dr Ravjot Singh, MLA from Sham Chaurasi, has been floated. These appointments are seen as strategic moves to secure the Dalit vote bank in the Doaba region, where the community holds significant sway.
The districts of Ludhiana and Fatehgarh Sahib, two of Punjab’s most important regions, are also receiving attention in this reshuffle. After nearly two and a half years, the Mann government is including MLAs from these areas in the cabinet. Hardeep Singh Mundian, MLA from Sahnewal, and Tarunpreet Singh, MLA from Khanna, are both being elevated to ministerial roles. Both are businessmen and represent the Sikh community.
- With inputs from our correspondent
