New Delhi: Speculation over a possible Union Cabinet reshuffle has intensified, with political circles discussing potential representation from Punjab in the Narendra Modi-led government.
According to reports and political sources, Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, who is claimed in the reports to have left the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is being discussed as a possible ministerial candidate. Lovely Professional University (LPU) Chancellor Ashok Mittal is also being mentioned among the names under consideration.
Punjab is currently represented in the Union Council of Ministers by Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu. However, his Rajya Sabha term ended on June 21. Under constitutional provisions, a minister who is not a Member of Parliament must secure membership within six months, making December 21 the deadline if he is to continue in office.
Reports also suggest that Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh, who was recently elected to the Upper House, is among the names being considered. Government sources indicate that a Cabinet reshuffle could take place on Sunday or Monday, although no official announcement has been made.
The reports further claim that Union Home Minister Amit Shah met President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday and discussed the proposed reshuffle. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding any Cabinet expansion or the induction of new ministers.
According to the reports, Raghav Chadha played a key role in AAP’s campaign during the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, following which the party secured 92 of the 117 seats and formed the government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The reports also claim that Chadha later fell out with the party leadership and subsequently joined the BJP along with several other Rajya Sabha MPs.
No official confirmation has been issued by the BJP, the Central government or the individuals named regarding these claims.
