Punjab Cabinet Expands: Sanjeev Arora Takes Oath, Bags NRI Affairs Portfolio
In a significant expansion of Punjab’s cabinet, Sanjeev Arora, the Aam Aadmi Party’s Ludhiana West MLA, was sworn in as a cabinet minister
Punjab Governor Gulabchand Kataria administered the oath of office and secrecy to Sanjeev Arora, marking his induction as a cabinet minister in Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government. The solemn ceremony, held around noon at Raj Bhawan in Chandigarh, was attended by Mann and several other ministers. Arora, the Aam Aadmi Party’s Ludhiana West MLA, took the oath in Punjabi, becoming the 17th minister in the state’s cabinet, signaling a strategic expansion of the ruling team.
Portfolio Realignment
In a significant reshuffle, Arora was assigned the NRI Affairs department, previously overseen by Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal. This move reflects the government’s intent to leverage Arora’s business acumen and community ties, given his prominence as an industrialist and philanthropist. Sources indicate that Dhaliwal, a key figure in Mann’s cabinet, is likely to be entrusted with a more substantial portfolio soon, possibly in agriculture or rural development, aligning with the state’s priorities. .
ਅੱਜ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਰਾਜਭਵਨ, ਚੰਡੀਗੜ੍ਹ ਵਿਖੇ ਸੂਬੇ ਦੇ ਰਾਜਪਾਲ ਮਾਣਯੋਗ ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਗੁਲਾਬ ਚੰਦ ਕਟਾਰੀਆ ਜੀ ਨੇ ਲੁਧਿਆਣਾ ਪੱਛਮੀ ਤੋਂ ਵਿਧਾਇਕ ਸੰਜੀਵ ਅਰੋੜਾ ਜੀ ਨੂੰ ਕੈਬਨਿਟ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਵਜੋਂ ਸਹੁੰ ਚੁਕਾਈ। ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਨਵੀਂ ਜ਼ਿੰਮੇਵਾਰੀ ਦੀਆਂ ਬਹੁਤ-ਬਹੁਤ ਵਧਾਈਆਂ।
— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) July 3, 2025
ਸੰਜੀਵ ਅਰੋੜਾ ਜੀ ਨੂੰ Industry & Commerce, Investment Promotion, NRI Affairs… pic.twitter.com/1z1kOZe5jf
Punjab Cabinet Expands
His background as a successful entrepreneur and his active engagement with the Punjabi diaspora make him a fitting choice for the NRI Affairs portfolio. The ceremony, attended by senior AAP leaders, underscores the party’s focus on inclusive governance. Arora’s induction is seen as a step toward bolstering the cabinet’s capacity. With Dhaliwal poised for a larger role, the reshuffle hints at further strategic adjustments. Arora’s new responsibilities will likely focus on strengthening ties with the Punjabi diaspora, fostering investments, and addressing their concerns, ensuring Punjab’s global connect thrives under his stewardship.
