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PTC Web Desk: The Punjab Cabinet underwent a reshuffle on Thursday, with significant changes made to key departments. The Local Government (Local Bodies) portfolio has been reassigned from Dr Ravjot to Sanjeev Arora, while Dr Ravjot has been given charge of the NRI Affairs Department, which was earlier held by Arora.

The move assumes importance in the backdrop of the upcoming municipal corporation elections. With an eye on consolidating its hold in urban constituencies, the government appears to have recalibrated responsibilities to strengthen its organisational presence in cities. Sanjeev Arora, who has strong roots in urban areas, is seen as well-placed to handle issues related to local governance and civic administration.

Documents related to the change in ministerial responsibilities have been forwarded to the Governor for formal approval. 

With the addition of the Local Bodies department, Sanjeev Arora’s role in the government has become more influential. He already holds the key Power and Industries portfolios and will now oversee urban local governance as well.

Sanjeev Arora entered the Punjab Assembly after winning the Ludhiana West byelection in 2025 and was sworn in as an MLA on June 28 that year. He subsequently resigned from the Rajya Sabha on July 1, 2025, where he had earlier served as a Member of Parliament. He was inducted into the state Cabinet on July 3, 2025, and was initially assigned the Industry and Commerce and NRI Affairs portfolios. In a later Cabinet expansion on August 18, 2025, the Power Department was also brought under his charge.