In a major political shift, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has removed his Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Onkar Singh. The exact reasons for this dismissal remain unclear, but the OSD position is crucial as it manages the Chief Minister’s daily operations and advises on significant issues. Onkar Singh had been in this role since August 31, 2022.
Alongside this change, CM Mann is planning a significant reshuffle of his Cabinet later today. Sources indicate that four ministers have already been dropped, paving the way for five new appointees. The new ministers are expected to take their oaths at 5 PM at the Raj Bhawan.
This reshuffle has been anticipated for three months, initially expected to follow the Lok Sabha Elections. However, it was postponed due to the Jalandhar by-election. The timing, just before the Haryana Assembly elections and upcoming Panchayat polls, has surprised many.
The Cabinet changes appear to be primarily driven by performance evaluations. Reports suggest that the decision to remove certain ministers stemmed from "poor performance and feedback from their constituencies." Additionally, caste considerations are influencing the new appointments, ensuring representation from key regions and communities.
One notable addition is Mohinder Bhagat, a legislator from Jalandhar. His appointment is viewed as a "return gift" to the region, fulfilling CM Mann’s promise made during the byelections that he would be made a minister if elected. This move is seen as significant for political strategy.
Balkaur Singh, a key minister, is likely to be dismissed due to a controversial video that has embarrassed the government. The opposition has seized upon this issue to question the government’s integrity. Singh’s role as the Local Bodies minister faced criticism from both ministers and MLAs, prompting his removal ahead of municipal elections.
Another minister, Anmol Gagan Mann, is also being removed due to her inactivity in her constituency. Constituents expressed dissatisfaction with her unavailability, and her claims that officers were collecting bribes in her name raised alarm within the administration.
There are speculations regarding the removal of Chetan Singh Jouramajra and Brahm Shankar Jhimpa, both considered close to CM Mann. Although not embroiled in controversies, they may be reassigned to organizational roles within the AAP party.
This reshuffle aims to maintain caste balance within the Cabinet. As the Mann government approaches the halfway point of its term, it seeks to ensure fair representation for all communities. Legislators from various caste groups are being strategically positioned to lead key districts.
Barinder Goyal, an advocate and MLA from Lehragaga, has been included in the Cabinet, ensuring representation for the Bania community, which has been without a minister since Vijay Singla's dismissal over corruption charges. This community is influential in many constituencies, making it a key factor in the AAP's political strategy.
Similarly, Mohinder Bhagat is a Scheduled Caste representative included in the reshuffle. The name of Dr. Ravjot Singh, MLA from Sham Chaurasi, has also emerged as a potential appointee. These appointments are seen as efforts to secure the Dalit vote in the Doaba region.
The reshuffle also highlights the importance of Ludhiana and Fatehgarh Sahib, two critical areas in Punjab. After two and a half years, MLAs from these regions are being added to the Cabinet, with Hardeep Singh Mundian from Sahnewal and Tarunpreet Singh from Khanna set to receive ministerial roles. Both are businessmen and represent the Sikh community.
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