The posts of chairmen and other positions announced by the Punjab government on May 19, 2025, are under discussion primarily due to controversy over the appointment of non-Punjabis to key roles.
The posts of chairmen and other positions announced by the Punjab government on May 19, 2025, are under discussion primarily due to controversy over the appointment of non-Punjabis to key roles. The government appointed 31 individuals as chairmen, vice-chairmen, directors, and members of various boards and corporations.
However, criticism has emerged, particularly regarding the appointment of Deepak Chauhan from Uttar Pradesh as Chairman of the Industrial Board and Reena Gupta from Delhi as Chairperson of another significant board.
Critics, including political figures like Sukhpal Khaira, have accused Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of surrendering control to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal and his “Delhi bosses” by favoring non-Punjabis for these vital positions. This has sparked debates about regional representation and local understanding of Punjab’s issues, with some voicing concerns that these appointees lack familiarity with the state’s unique challenges.
Public sentiment, as reflected on social media, suggests growing discontent, with warnings that such decisions could have political repercussions in the next 18 months.
The distribution of key posts to individuals from outside Punjab during the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s tenure in Punjab, particularly under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has been a contentious issue.
Below is an overview of notable appointments of non-Punjabis to significant positions, based on available information and public discourse, especially as highlighted in recent discussions around May 19, 2025:
Notable Appointments of Non-Punjabis:
● Deepak Chauhan (Uttar Pradesh):
Position: Chairman, Punjab Large Industrial Development Board.
Background: Former personal assistant to AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak.
Controversy: Criticized for lacking industrial experience and being a non-Punjabi, with accusations of prioritizing loyalty over merit.
Congress leader Sukhpal Khaira called the appointment an “insult” to AAP Punjab volunteers, alleging it reflects Chief Minister Mann’s deference to Delhi-based AAP leadership.
● Reena Gupta (Delhi):
Position: Chairperson, Punjab Pollution Control Board.
Background: AAP spokesperson based in Delhi, reportedly lacking the required engineering or environmental qualifications as per National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines.
Controversy: The appointment drew ire for sidelining local talent and violating NGT rules.
Critics, including Social Media users, argued that Gupta’s lack of Punjab roots and relevant expertise undermines the state’s interests.
● Ms. Bedi (Non-Punjabi, Specific Origin Unclear):
Position: Chairperson, Punjab School Education Board (Appointed prior to June 2024).
Background: Reportedly does not speak Punjabi, as noted by Professor Gurdarshan.
Controversy: Sukhpal Khaira raised concerns about appointing non-Punjabis to such roles, questioning why outsiders were favored over locals who understand Punjab’s linguistic and cultural context.
● Raghav Chadha (Delhi):
Position: Chairman, Punjab Government’s Advisory Committee (Appointed in 2022).
Background: AAP Rajya Sabha MP and close aide to Arvind Kejriwal.
Controversy: The appointment sparked significant backlash, with opposition parties like Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) accusing Mann of allowing Delhi’s “high command” to control Punjab’s affairs.
Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa questioned Chadha’s role in meeting board chairpersons, while SAD called it a “betrayal to Punjabis.”
Political Criticism: Opposition leaders, including Partap Singh Bajwa, Sukhbir Singh Badal, and Pargat Singh, have consistently accused the AAP government of being a “proxy” for Delhi-based leaders like Arvind Kejriwal. The appointment of non-Punjabis is cited as evidence of centralized control, undermining local representation.
Governance Concerns: The appointments are part of broader criticisms of AAP’s governance in Punjab, including unfulfilled promises (e.g., ₹1,000 monthly payout to women) and perceptions of mismanagement, such as the case of Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal heading a non-existent Department of Administrative Reforms for 20 months.
aap ਸਰਕਾਰ ਨਸ਼ਿਆਂ ਦੇ ਖਿਲਾਫ ਹੋਈ ਪੱਬਾ ਭਾਰ।
AAP’s Rise in Punjab: AAP came to power in Punjab in 2022 with a landslide victory, winning 92 of 117 seats, capitalizing on discontent with traditional parties like Congress and SAD.
However, its governance has faced scrutiny over centralization and failure to deliver on key promises.
Organizational Changes: Recent changes, such as appointing Manish Sisodia as AAP’s Punjab in-charge and Aman Arora as state party chief, indicate efforts to strengthen the party’s structure amid criticism.
However, these moves have not quelled concerns about non-Punjabi appointments.