Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 24
After deliberations that went on till 2 am on Friday, names of the new ministers in Charanjit Singh Channi cabinet have been approved. The final approval came after Channi’s meeting with Rahul Gandhi.
The allocation of portfolios has also been decided. After the meeting ended, the CM left Delhi for Chandigarh in the wee hours of Friday. The official release of the list is awaited. Now all eyes are on when the list of the new ministers is sent to the Punjab Governor.
Depending on this, the swearing-in can take place on Friday evening or on Saturday. Those selected are likely to be intimated on Friday.
The new faces that are learnt to have made the cut include Amrinder Raja Warring, Raj Kumar Verka, Sangat Singh Gilzian, Randeep Nabha, Pargat Singh and Surjit Dhiman. They have also retained at least seven names from the Amarinder cabinet.
Incidentally, PPCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu did not accompany Channi to Delhi for the final round of discussions with Rahul and other leaders on Thursday. This shows a balancing act between the newly emerged power centres in the Punjab Congress.
Going by caste and regional equations, there will be at least four Dalit faces, at least five Hindu faces besides striking a balance between Majha, Doaba and Malwa. Sources said the first-time MLAs are not being included.
Names of new Punjab ministers decided as Channi returns from Delhi
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