In a major political move ahead of the upcoming elections, the AAP government in Punjab, helmed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, will get two deputy chief ministers, according to reports. A meeting of AAP ministers and MLAs is likely to discuss the appointment of a Scheduled Caste and an upper caste leader into the Cabinet.
The meeting to select the deputy CMs will likely be held after the mega rally at Moga, which will see Bhagwant Mann and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal attend. Over 50,000 people are expected to attend the rally, which is important for the AAP as it aims to highlight its decisive actions under its 'War against Drugs' campaign aimed at eliminating the illicit drug menace in the state.
AAP had promised a Dalit deputy CM in its election manifesto, and speculation is now rife that this will be implemented. According to sources, the party organisation is considering a strategy to maintain social balance, though a final decision may be made after consulting with MLAs at a meeting.
As per reports, the names doing rounds include that of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur. Though Cheema was considered a frontrunner, speculations are that Dr Baljit Kaur is Mann’s preferred choice, especially since he has always been vocal about how “upright” and hardworking she is. Her clean image has also helped her case.
The AAP leadership also believes that naming Laur as the deputy CM would serve “strategic purposes” for the party, considering that the government is focusing on consolidating support among women voters in the upcoming elections.
“Dr Baljit Kaur heads the department responsible for implementing the party’s promise of providing Rs 1,000 per month to eligible women, including compiling and verifying beneficiary data. Elevating her could reinforce the party’s commitment to that pledge while sending a strong political message,” The Indian Express quoted a source privy to discussions said.
