The emphatic win of Sanjeev Arora in the Ludhiana West bypoll has set the stage for a likely Cabinet reshuffle in Punjab, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann poised to fulfill his pre-election promise of inducting the industrialist-cum-philanthropist as a minister. More than just a reward, Arora’s elevation signals a strategic realignment within the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) — aimed at reinforcing its urban development agenda while balancing internal equations ahead of the 2027 state elections.
Arora, a prominent industrialist and sitting Rajya Sabha MP, had been handpicked by the party much in advance of the bypoll. His victory, secured with a margin of over 10,600 votes, wasn’t just electoral — it was a political endorsement of AAP’s trust in technocrats and clean-image professionals. Now, with Arora expected to resign from the Rajya Sabha to take charge as a Cabinet minister, AAP may find itself with a valuable parliamentary seat to fill — possibly with a senior national leader or a rising Punjab face.
Sources suggested that Mann’s Cabinet rejig could involve more than just Arora’s inclusion. With the reshuffling of portfolios likely, at least one Minister may be shown the door to make room. The departments under review are reportedly linked to urban infrastructure, commerce, and industry, aligning with Arora’s background and the needs of Ludhiana, Punjab’s economic engine.
“Not Going to Rajya Sabhaâ€: Kejriwal Clears the Air After Arora’s Win
AAP’s national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday firmly denied speculation about his entry into the Rajya Sabha, following party MP Sanjeev Arora’s victory in the Ludhiana West Assembly bypoll. Arora, who is likely to be rewarded with a Cabinet berth, will vacate his seat in the Upper House, prompting curiosity about who will replace him.
Speculation was rife that Kejriwal, currently reeling from the party’s loss in the Delhi Assembly polls and no longer holding a constitutional post, might consider a parliamentary route back into formal politics. However, Kejriwal rubbished any such plans. “I want to make it clear — I am not going to the Rajya Sabha. Many such rumours are floated, but the party’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC) will decide the next nominee,†said Kejriwal, speaking at a press conference shortly after the results. His clarification puts to rest days of political buzz that suggested he could use the vacancy to re-enter Parliament.
While the denial appears firm, political observers believed that Kejriwal’s deliberate deference to the PAC — AAP’s highest decision-making body — leaves the door slightly ajar.
