Chandigarh, January 8: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday reshuffled his Cabinet, assigning the Local Government department to Power and Industry Minister Sanjeev Arora, a move that further consolidates the minister’s standing within the AAP government.
The portfolio was earlier held by Dr Ravjot, who will now oversee NRI Affairs along with Parliamentary Affairs. Arora, who previously held NRI Affairs, continues to retain Industry, Investment Promotion and Power.
The reshuffle received clearance from Governor Gulab Chand Kataria after the proposal was forwarded earlier in the day. Sources said the Cabinet changes were discussed between Mann and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal during the latter’s visit to Punjab.
Arora’s rise within the government has been swift. Inducted into the Cabinet only six months ago, he was first given Industry and Investment Promotion, followed by NRI Affairs and later the Power department.
“Despite not being given the Deputy Chief Minister post that was speculated earlier, Arora now holds some of the most influential portfolios in the government,” a party functionary said.
Another AAP leader said the decision carries electoral significance. “Urban governance will be a major issue in the coming months. The BJP has traditionally had a foothold in cities, and the party wants to strengthen its connect with urban voters,” the leader said.
The reshuffle comes at a time when the state is preparing for Municipal Corporation elections, with the process of ward demarcation currently in progress under the Local Government department.
Arora, a Rajya Sabha MP turned MLA after winning the Ludhiana West bypoll in June 2025, is expected to play a key role in shaping the party’s urban strategy as the civic polls draw closer.
