In a significant move seen as a step toward reshaping the governance landscape ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, the Punjab Government on Monday appointed 31 individuals as chairmen, vice-chairmen, and directors across various boards, corporations, and institutions. Chief Minister Bhagwant Manns office issued formal appointment orders, congratulating the new appointees and welcoming them to the Rangla Punjab team.   The appointments, which include party loyalists and key functionaries of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), mark one of the largest administrative reshuffles in recent months. However, the decision has sparked political controversy, with the Opposition alleging that several of the posts have been handed over to non-Punjabis with questionable qualifications.   Among the key names is Deepak Chouhan, appointed as chairman of the Punjab Large Industrial Development Board. Chouhan, a former personal assistant to AAP strategist and Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak, hails from Uttar Pradesh. His appointment has come under severe criticism from Opposition leaders, who accuse the Mann-led government of promoting loyalty over merit.   Other significant appointments include former SAD MLA Pawan Kumar Tinu as Punjab State Cooperative Agricultural Development Bank chairman; Prabhvir Barar as Punjab State Civil Supplies Corporation (PUNSUP) chairman; Dr Tejpal Singh Gill as Punjab Grains Procurement Corporation (PUNGRAIN) chairman; Dr Deepak Bansal as Punjab Gau Seva Commission vice-chairman; Reena Gupta as Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) chairperson.   The government has also appointed two new members — Manveer Khudian and Mata Bhupinder Kaur — to the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Total five chairmen, two vice-chairmen, 17 directors, and seven members have been appointed.   Chief Minister Mann, in an official statement, extended his best wishes to the appointees and urged them to carry out their duties with honesty, passion, and commitment. In the coming days, more volunteers will also be entrusted with responsibilities, Mann added.   Opposition Outrage The appointments have triggered a sharp backlash from the Opposition, particularly over the selection of Deepak Chouhan and Reena Gupta — both outsiders to Punjab.   Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa accused the AAP government of betraying Punjabs trust. No industrial experience? Not Punjabi? Loyalty over merit? All perks funded by Punjabis hard-earned taxes. This isnt governance, this is political favoritism, he posted on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a mockery of the governments promises of change.   Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia also slammed the appointment of Reena Gupta, a former advisor to the Delhi Government and AAP spokesperson, as PPCB chairperson. The Board is a technical body. NGT guidelines clearly state it requires someone with an engineering background and environmental expertise. But the government chose a party worker from Delhi. Is this badlav, or blatant loot? he questioned.   Punjab BJP Mahila Morcha president Jai Inder Kaur echoed similar sentiments, saying, Bhagwant Mann is no longer the real Chief Minister of Punjab. Its clear that Arvind Kejriwal is the de facto ruler. AAP talks about Punjabi pride but undermines it by appointing non-Punjabis to crucial positions.   Appointments Based on Ground Feedback: AAP Sources within AAP claimed that the appointments were made after an extensive feedback process initiated by former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and now Punjab affairs in-charge Manish Sisodia. He reportedly met leaders from across constituencies to identify those who had consistently contributed to party growth and public outreach.   These appointments reflect grassroots efforts and organizational commitment. Our focus is on performance, not parochial identities, a senior AAP functionary said, defending the inclusion of non-Punjabis.   The timing of these appointments indicates a strategic push by AAP to cement its organizational structure in Punjab and reward loyalists ahead of the 2027 polls. However, the backlash over alleged outsider favouritism could alienate local cadres and deepen regional resentments — something opposition parties are eager to exploit.

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