Sanjeev Arora gets key role: Takes over Punjab's local bodies ministry from Dr. Ravjot Singh

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Punjab's Bhagwant Mann government on Thursday announced a significant cabinet reshuffle. As part of this reshuffle, the Local Bodies portfolio has been stripped from Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh. This important responsibility has now been assigned to Minister Sanjeev Arora. In this portfolio swap, Dr. Ravjot has been given the NRI Affairs portfolio, which previously held Sanjeev Arora.

Eye on corporation elections and urban vote bank

This cabinet reshuffle is being linked to the upcoming municipal elections. The government's aim is to further strengthen the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) hold in urban areas. Sanjeev Arora hails from an urban area and has a strong understanding of urban problems and functioning. Therefore, by assigning him the municipal department, the government has attempted to woo the urban cadre, hoping to benefit the party in the elections.

Rewarded for performance in foreign tour

A major reason for Sanjeev Arora's rise in stature is Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's recent foreign tour. Recently, CM Mann visited Japan and North Korea, where Sanjeev Arora played a crucial role. Several important business agreements were reached during this trip. The government is very pleased with Arora's work ethic and networking, which has rewarded him with the massive portfolio of local bodies.

Arora's stature grew rapidly in a year

Sanjeev Arora's political profile has risen sharply over the past year. He became an MLA in 2025 after winning the by-election from the Ludhiana West Assembly seat. He was sworn in as an MLA on June 28, 2025, and immediately resigned from the Rajya Sabha on July 1, 2025. He was sworn in as a minister on July 3, 2025. Initially, he was responsible for Industry and Commerce and NRI Affairs. Subsequently, in the reshuffle on August 18, 2025, he was also given the Electricity Department. Now, he also holds the important Local Bodies Department.