Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora, arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement in a case related to money-laundering on Saturday, is likely to continue in the Bhagwant Mann cabinet without any portfolio.
The state’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party on Monday night redistributed his portfolios among three ministers.
New and Renewable Energy Minister Aman Arora has been given the Industry and Investment Promotion department, Education Minister Harjot Bains the Local Government department and Rural Development Minister Tarunpreet Sond has been given the Power department.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann sent the file regarding the re-allocation of portfolios to Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Monday evening, who approved it.
Sources in the ruling party told The Tribune that though initially some people in the party top brass considered going in for a cabinet expansion, CM Mann decided against it and insisted that the portfolios be redistributed.
An internal reshuffle was then decided upon, with the chief minister avoiding political speculation at a time the party is desperate to secure a win in the urban civic body polls that were also announced today.
“The high-performing ministers have got the departments earlier held by Arora to ensure smooth functioning, without disturbing the existing political equation,” an official said, adding that it had been planned in a manner that no minister is overburdened.
Through the day, the party top brass and the chief minister reportedly held discussions on the ministers who would be given charge of the heavyweight ministries Arora handled.
With elections to the urban civic bodies announced today and the impending paddy season, when managing power generation and power purchase, is crucial, the government wanted to immediately have its seasoned political leaders in place at these two departments.
Arora, however, is expected to remain a member of the council of ministers without any portfolio for the time being. Party insiders said the leadership does not want to sideline the Ludhiana-based leader, who, as AAP leaders have been crying hoarse, has been arrested for “political vendetta”.
A statement was issued by the Punjab government.
