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National News: The Punjab Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is set to hold a crucial meeting today at 6 PM at the CM's official residence in Chandigarh. The meeting, which was initially scheduled for 10:30 AM, was rescheduled, reportedly due to the CM and AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal's participation in a public program in Mohali earlier in the day. Though no official reason was cited for the rescheduling, the significance of the evening session has sparked political curiosity.
According to sources, the meeting will primarily focus on finalizing legislative strategy for the special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly scheduled for July 10. The session is expected to table and debate a stringent bill aimed at curbing religious sacrilege—a long-standing and politically sensitive issue in Punjab. The proposed law could include harsher punishments and swifter prosecution mechanisms, addressing public anger over recent incidents.
This legislative push is likely part of AAP’s broader campaign to position itself as a protector of religious sentiments in the state, especially ahead of the 2027 elections.
Another significant agenda item is expected to be development planning for the Tarn Taran district, where a legislative seat has recently fallen vacant following the sudden demise of the sitting MLA. The by-election is anticipated in the coming months, and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party is keen to consolidate its hold in the region.
The government is likely to announce new development schemes, infrastructure investments, and social initiatives targeting the constituency. Insiders suggest this is part of a calculated political strategy to retain voter trust and demonstrate governance ahead of the bypoll.
While the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections are still over a year away, the Mann-led Cabinet is reportedly treating every decision as groundwork for a strong re-election bid. Sources indicate that party leadership is urging ministers and MLAs to intensify constituency-level engagement, address public grievances swiftly, and promote visible development.
Today’s session also marks the debut Cabinet meeting of newly appointed Minister Sanjeev Arora, who recently won the Ludhiana by-election. A prominent industrialist-turned-politician, Arora is expected to play a key role in Punjab's economic development agenda. In his initial statements, he had promised to prioritize industrial infrastructure and exhibition and trade centers in Ludhiana, aligning with his business background and public expectations.
He has also spoken about turning Ludhiana into a “model industrial hub” through modern planning and clean governance. His proposals may find early discussion in today's meeting.
The timing of this meeting—just days before the special session and soon after an AAP public rally—indicates tight coordination between the party’s government wing and its political leadership. It also signals that the Mann government is carefully shaping narratives around governance, religious sensitivity, and development to ensure a strong electoral trajectory.
As Punjab continues to grapple with complex challenges like sacrilege incidents, political polarization, and regional inequalities, today's Cabinet meeting could play a pivotal role in shaping both immediate legislative action and the long-term political roadmap for the AAP in the state.