Capt sets up team that will address public grievances at his residence

The team will be led by Mandi Board chairperson Lal Singh and comprises MLAs Surinder Kumar Dawar, Raj Kumar Chhabewal and Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon alias Kiki

The CM himself has been meeting party leaders at his residence lately. Sources said that he was working on getting the rebels back in his camp before he rejigs his Cabinet. (File)

TO COUNTER claims that he was “inaccessible” and “had outsourced the government to the bureaucrats”, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has constituted a team of four Congress leaders to sit at the chief minister’s residence (CMR), meet public representatives and address their grievances.

The team will be led by Mandi Board chairperson Lal Singh and comprises MLAs Surinder Kumar Dawar, Raj Kumar Chhabewal and Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon alias Kiki. Interestingly, Kiki was siding with the rebels till a few days ago. Many other MLAs, who were with the rebels, have also walked back to the CM camp.

While passing the orders, the CM said that Lal Singh will coordinate their work and fix a schedule so that at least one of the political representatives is available on the appointed day at CMR.

His note also said: “It is gathered that a large number of persons visit CMR for redressal of their grievances. The present team of officers deputed to attend these grievances is doing its job diligently but some of the visitors intend to see political representatives. While those who have state-level issues to raise and discuss with the CM are given appointment by MP Singh, CMS-OSD, others who raise minor day to day governance issues can, in my absence, meet the selected political representatives.
The team would be sitting at the official residence of the CM.”

A number of Congress MLAs had told the Mallikarjun Kharge panel a few weeks ago that bureaucrats were running the show in Punjab.

The CM himself has been meeting party leaders at his residence lately. Sources said that he was working on getting the rebels back in his camp before he rejigs his Cabinet.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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