24 september 2024 : Nearly two months after winning the Jalandhar West bypoll, AAP MLA Mohinder Bhagat, 66, has been appointed as a minister in the Punjab cabinet. This marks his first experience in both the roles of MLA and minister. Bhagat’s appointment is viewed as a reward for his notable victory, where he was positioned as AAP’s “honest” and “saintly” candidate, winning the seat with a substantial margin of 37,325 votes against BJP’s Sheetal Angural.
Bhagat, the son of BJP veteran Chunni Lal Bhagat, joined AAP after leaving the BJP in 2023, despite initial resistance from his father. His decision proved fruitful, allowing him to quickly ascend to both MLA and ministerial roles, filling a decade-long void for his family in the Assembly. Chunni Lal Bhagat, who held the Jalandhar West seat in 2007 and 2012, had served in various ministerial capacities under the SAD-BJP government and supported his son’s AAP candidacy this year. — TNS
First-time MLA with a Political Journey Since 1992
Sangrur, September 23
Barinder Goyal, the AAP MLA from Lehra in Sangrur district, began his political journey with the BJP, contesting his first election from Lehra in 1992. He had previously filed nomination papers as an Independent candidate in 1991, but those elections were canceled. In 1995, he joined the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and remained with the party for 25 years. Despite his regional influence, the Akali Dal never nominated him, prompting his move to AAP.
Goyal’s family is influential in local politics, with his sister-in-law serving as the president of the Lehra Municipal Council, and his son and daughter-in-law being municipal councillors. In the 2022 Assembly elections, Goyal contested as the AAP candidate from Lehra, defeating SAD (Sanyukt) candidate Parminder Singh Dhindsa by a margin of 26,518 votes. Reflecting on his political journey, Goyal expressed gratitude for the chance to serve his constituents. — OC
Gentleman Politician Committed to Healthcare
Jalandhar, September 23
Dr. Ravjot Singh, the MLA from Sham Chaurasi, is known for his integrity and dedication to public service. He has replaced Balkar Singh as the Minister for Local Government and will also oversee Parliamentary Affairs. With an MD in medicine from PGI, Chandigarh, Dr. Ravjot has established himself as a gentleman politician focused on healthcare and development.
Elected in 2022 from the Sham Chaurasi reserved seat with a 21,000-vote margin, he had previously run unsuccessfully in 2017 and 2019. His commitment to enhancing healthcare, improving road connectivity, and fighting against drug abuse has earned him the respect of his constituents.
Dr. Ravjot also operates a hospital in Hoshiarpur, offering free medical treatment to those in need. His leadership is expected to bring positive changes to local governance and healthcare in Punjab. — TNS
Businessman and Long-time Party Worker
Ludhiana, September 23
Tarunpreet Singh Sond, 40, a dedicated member of AAP and the party’s state vice-president, recently defeated SAD’s Jasdeep Kaur Yadu by over 35,000 votes in the Khanna constituency.
Former Congress Minister Gurkirat Singh Kotli, grandson of former CM Beant Singh and cousin of Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, finished third. A young businessman, Sond joined AAP in January 2012 and has been politically active since 2014, inspired by Arvind Kejriwal’s book, “Swaraj.” — TNS
Mundian Promises Pro-People Governance
Ludhiana, September 23
In his first election, Hardeep Singh Mundian, 48, won against Congress’s Vikram Singh Bajwa, son-in-law of former CM Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, by over 15,000 votes from Sahnewal.
Previously associated with the Lok Insaaf Party led by former MLA Simranjeet Singh Bains during the 2017 Assembly elections, Mundian joined AAP in 2021 and later contested from Sahnewal. “The AAP government will cleanse the corrupt system and provide governance that serves the people,” the new minister stated. — TNS