CM Bhagwant Mann likely to induct five more ministers

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 1

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is all set to expand its ministry in Punjab in the coming week. At least five ministers are expected to be inducted in the Bhagwant Mann ministry, taking its total strength to 15.

Two from among second-time MLAs?

Of the five ministers to be inducted, at least one will be a woman and two are likely to be selected from among the second-time AAP MLAs. One of the MLAs from Amritsar district is expected to join the ministry soon.

Sangrur bypoll defeat discussed

CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal discussed the reasons for the party’s defeat in the Sangrur bypoll. Sources say to keep the cadre upbeat, the party brass is reportedly considering the proposal to appoint senior leaders as chairmen in different boards and corporations.

The expansion was reportedly discussed at a meeting held between CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi today.

Sources say that in the three-hour meeting, the names of those who are to be inducted in the Cabinet were discussed. Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha also reportedly attended the meeting.

The Tribune has learnt that of the five ministers to be inducted, at least one will be a woman and two are likely to be selected from among the second-time party MLAs. One of the MLAs from Amritsar district is expected to join the ministry soon.

It may be mentioned that there are nine ministers in the Cabinet now, besides the Chief Minister. One minister — Dr Vijay Singla — was ousted on corruption charges. As a result, eight posts in the Cabinet are lying vacant. All posts may not be filled immediately, say the party sources.

Among other things discussed in the meeting today were the reasons for the party’s defeat in the Sangrur byelection. The sources say in order to keep the cadre upbeat, the party top brass is reportedly considering the proposal to appoint senior party functionaries as chairmen in different boards and corporations.

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