Punjab’s newly sworn-in cabinet has raised eyebrows as it predominantly consists of first-time MLAs, with only two second-time MLAs making the cut. Harpal Singh Cheema, the former leader of the opposition and second-time MLA from Dirba, and Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, also a second-time MLA from Barnala, are the only familiar faces among the ministers.
The first-time MLAs in the cabinet include Dr. Baljit Kaur from Malout, Harbhajan Singh ETO from Jandiala, Dr. Vijay Singla from Mansa, Dr. Lal Chand Kataru Chak from Bhoa, Kuldip Singh Dhaliwal from Ajnala, Laljit Singh Bhullar from Patti, Bram Shankar (Jimpa) from Hoshiarpur, and Harjot Singh Bains from Anandpur Sahib.
Interestingly, Dr. Vijay Singla defeated popular Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, who was contesting on behalf of the Congress party. However, the cabinet does not include other prominent winners who defeated political heavyweights from various parties. Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, who defeated former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Jagdeep Singh Kamboj Goldy, who defeated former Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal, Dr. Charanjit Singh and Labh Singh Ughoke, who defeated former CM Charanjit Singh Channi, and Dr. Balbir Singh, who defeated former CM Amarinder Singh, were all overlooked in the first list of ministers.
The first list of cabinet members includes four leaders from the Scheduled Castes (SC) and provides representation to five leaders from the Malwa region, four from Majha region, and one from the Doaba region. Notably, there is only one woman in the cabinet, and it comprises four Jats, four SCs, and two Hindus.
According to the rules, Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Mann can have 17 ministers in his cabinet. This comes as the Punjab Assembly consists of 117 members. Mann took to Twitter to congratulate the MLAs who will be inducted into the cabinet.
The diversity in the cabinet selection is apparent, with first-time MLAs gaining the spotlight and a range of regions being represented. However, the exclusion of prominent winners who defeated notable political figures raises questions about the criteria and considerations behind the decision-making process. As the new cabinet begins its work, it remains to be seen how these first-time MLAs will fare in their ministerial roles and shape the future of Punjab.
