Ludhiana 30 June 2025 : Aam Aadmi Party candidate Sanjeev Arora, who won the by-election from the West constituency, took oath as an MLA on Saturday, five days after the election results were declared. However, he may have to wait a little longer to become a minister.
During the election campaign, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal had announced that Sanjeev Arora would be made a minister. Following that, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also confirmed the announcement after meeting the Governor, stating that in order to fulfill the promise made to the people of the West constituency, Sanjeev Arora would soon be appointed as a minister. But now, this wait is getting prolonged. Meanwhile, Sanjeev Arora took oath as an MLA on Saturday. As far as the oath-taking for the ministerial post is concerned, the schedule for that will be released only after July 2, because it is being said that by then, Governor Gulab Chand Kataria will be in Rajasthan.
Cabinet reshuffle a roadblock
Despite the announcement made by CM Bhagwant Mann, the reason for the delay in swearing in Sanjeev Arora as a minister is believed to be that a few other MLAs are also planned to be inducted as ministers along with him. At the same time, there are speculations about the removal of some current ministers or changes in their departments. This issue has already been discussed in recent meetings held in Delhi between Kejriwal, CM Mann, and the senior leadership of AAP. Until a final decision is made regarding the new faces, Sanjeev Arora will also have to wait.
Summary:
Govt postpones cabinet reshuffle until Governor returns on July 2. Sanjeev Arora, Ludhiana West Bypoll winner, expected to be inducted, filling one of two vacant berths.