List of Punjab ministers almost finalised; Congress high command again summons CM Charanjit Channi to Delhi

Tribune News Service 

Chandigarh, September 24

The Congress high command has again summoned Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi to Delhi for last-minute discussions before releasing the list of ministers.

Apart from discussion on the cabinet, the issue of finalising the name of the state DGP could also figure in the meeting. Sources said PPCC chief Navjot Sidhu had also been called to Delhi. 

Channi had returned to Chandigarh on Friday morning after deliberations that went on till 2 am. The names of the new ministers in the Charanjit Singh Channi cabinet have almost been finalised.

Though a wider consensus on the names has been reached, a last-minute feedback is being taken from senior leaders like Sunil Jakhar before the list is released.

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Now, the official release of the list is awaited and all eyes are on when the list is sent to the governor. 

Depending on this, the swearing-in can take place in a day or two. 

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The new faces learnt to have made the cut include Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Raj Kumar Verka, Sangat Singh Gilzian, Randeep Nabha, Pargat Singh and Surjit Dhiman. They have also retained at least seven names from the Amarinder cabinet. 

Going by caste and regional equations, there will be at least four Dalit faces and five Hindu faces besides striking a balance between Majha, Doaba and Malwa. Sources said first-time MLAs were not being included in the ministry.