Punjab Cabinet Reshuffle: Sanjeev Arora gets Local Bodies Department, Ravjot Singh gets NRI responsibility

January 8, 2026

Chandigarh: A major cabinet reshuffle took place in Punjab on Thursday, with a special focus on strengthening the government’s urban strategy ahead of the upcoming municipal elections.

Key portfolios exchanged

As part of this reshuffle, Dr. Ravjot Singh has been stripped of the Local Bodies Department and given the responsibility of NRI Affairs. This department was previously held by Sanjeev Arora. Sanjeev Arora has now been assigned the state’s crucial Local Bodies Department.

Although a formal notification has not yet been issued, this change is being considered significant in administrative and political circles.

Urban Focus Before Municipal Corporation Elections

This reshuffle comes at a time when municipal elections are approaching in the state. The government is seeking to strengthen its hold in urban areas, and as part of this strategy, it has attempted to provide more effective leadership to a key department like the Local Bodies Department.

Sanjeev Arora comes from an urban area and has a strong understanding of urban administration. Therefore, assigning him responsibility for this department is being seen as a major step towards strengthening the government’s urban politics.

Sanjeev Arora Becomes a Key Center of Power

After this reshuffle, Sanjay Arora is considered the third most influential minister in the cabinet. His increased role reflects his strong position within the government.

According to sources, Arora also played a key role in Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s recent visits to Japan and North Korea. Several trade and investment agreements were signed during these visits. His contribution to these international contacts has further strengthened his credibility among the leadership.

Journey from Rajya Sabha to Cabinet

Sanjeev Arora entered the Assembly by winning the 2025 Ludhiana West Assembly by-election and was sworn in as an MLA on June 28, 2025. He subsequently resigned from his Rajya Sabha membership on July 1, 2025, and was sworn in as a minister on July 3.

He was initially given charge of Industry and Commerce and NRI Affairs. In the August 18, 2025 cabinet reshuffle, he was also given the Electricity Department. Now, with the recent reshuffle, the influential Local Bodies Department has further strengthened his position in the government.