The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is expected to expand its ministry in Punjab on Monday. At least six ministers, including one woman, are expected to be inducted in the Bhagwant Mann ministry, taking its total strength to 16.According to sources, the state government has sent a letter to Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Purohit seeking time for the oath-taking ceremony on Monday evening.
The expansion was reportedly discussed at a meeting held between CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi on Friday.Sources say that in the three-hour meeting, the names of those who are to be inducted in the Cabinet were discussed. Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha also reportedly attended the meeting.The Tribune has learnt that of the six ministers to be inducted, at least one will be a woman and two are likely to be selected from among the second-time party MLAs.It may be mentioned that there are nine ministers in the Cabinet now, besides the Chief Minister. One minister — Dr Vijay Singla — was ousted on corruption charges. As a result, eight posts in the Cabinet are lying vacant. All posts may not be filled immediately, say the party sources.
