CHANDIGARH, MARCH 24: Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has restructured the Punjab cabinet’s responsibilities, assigning the transport and jails departments to existing ministers after the exit of Laljit Singh Bhullar. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has taken over the Transport Department, while Dr. Ravjot Singh has been declared the new minister in charge of Jails.
The decision was made to stabilize the administration following Bhullar’s arrest on charges related to the abetment of suicide. Dr. Ravjot Singh, who already manages NRI Affairs, will now incorporate the management of state prisons into his duties. Officials noted that the swift reallocation of these roles has put an end to rumors regarding a larger-scale cabinet reshuffle.
The investigation centers on a dying declaration made by Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, who accused Bhullar of coercive tactics and professional intimidation. Chief Minister Mann maintained that no one is above the law and asserted that justice for the bereaved family is a priority. He stated that the resignation was sought specifically to prevent any hindrance to the ongoing police inquiry.
Opposition leaders have continued to call for a thorough investigation as the state processes these changes. Despite the political friction, the government affirmed that the new ministerial arrangements would ensure the smooth functioning of both the transport and prison departments while legal proceedings against the former minister continue.
