Union Cabinet reshuffle speculation: Raghav Chadha, Ashok Mittal among frontrunners for Punjab’s ministerial berth

Speculation has intensified over a possible expansion of the Union Council of Ministers, with political circles in Punjab abuzz over who could represent the state if a Cabinet reshuffle takes place in the coming days.

According to government sources, Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, who recently left the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is being viewed as one of the frontrunners for a ministerial berth. Lovely Professional University (LPU) Chancellor Ashok Kumar Mittal is also being discussed as a possible candidate, while BJP leader Tarun Chugh, who was recently elected to the Rajya Sabha in place of Ravneet Singh Bittu, is also said to be in the race.

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The speculation has gained momentum since Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu’s Rajya Sabha tenure ended on June 21. Under constitutional provisions, a minister who is not a member of either House of Parliament must secure membership within six months, making December 21 a significant deadline. Political observers believe this could prompt the Centre to induct a new representative from Punjab if a Cabinet reshuffle takes place.

Sources indicated that a reshuffle could be announced over the weekend or early next week. Reports have also suggested that Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently met President Droupadi Murmu, adding to speculation over possible changes in the Union Council of Ministers. However, there has been no official confirmation from the government regarding any Cabinet expansion or the names of prospective ministers.

Raghav Chadha emerged as one of AAP’s key campaign strategists during the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections and played an active role in the party’s successful campaign, which resulted in AAP securing 92 of the 117 Assembly seats. Following the formation of the Bhagwant Mann government, Chadha was widely regarded as one of the party’s most influential leaders in Punjab.

His relationship with the AAP leadership later deteriorated, eventually leading to his exit from the party. Political observers also note that he played a significant role in persuading several AAP parliamentarians to join the BJP, strengthening the saffron party’s position in Parliament.

Analysts believe that if Chadha is inducted into the Union Cabinet, the BJP could gain a high-profile face in Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Having previously worked closely with the AAP leadership, he could sharpen the BJP’s political campaign against his former party while helping expand its outreach in urban and industrial centres such as Ludhiana and Jalandhar.

Political observers also believe Chadha’s elevation could pose organisational and political challenges for the AAP. His switch to the BJP and a possible ministerial role may influence leaders who previously worked with him, particularly those seeking greater political opportunities ahead of the next Assembly elections. However, these assessments remain part of the ongoing political debate, and neither the BJP nor the AAP has officially commented on the speculation surrounding the reported Cabinet reshuffle.