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Harpal Singh Cheema or Baljit Kaur: Why Bhagwant Mann’s ‘top choice’ for deputy CM could upset AAP pecking order

Years ago, Arvind Kejriwal had promised that a Dalit would be appointed deputy CM if AAP was voted to power in Punjab.

3 min readChandigarhFeb 13, 2026 11:49 AM IST

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema (left), and Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur (right). (Photo: X)

As the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab deliberates on fulfilling its pre-poll promise of appointing a Dalit leader as the deputy chief minister, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema seems like the natural choice. However, a new name has reportedly entered the fray—that of Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur.

Sources said that Dr Baljit Kaur is the preferred choice of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for the second top most post in the government. “Dr Baljit Kaur has always been a top choice of the CM. He has often praised her at several platforms of the party. He takes her to be a hard worker, an upright leader, who has not courted any controversy unlike many other women MLAs of the party,” a source said.

The senior leadership of the party has reportedly been made to understand that if Dr Baljit Kaur is named deputy CM, the move could serve multiple strategic purposes. “With elections approaching, the government is keen to consolidate support among women voters. Dr Baljit Kaur heads the department responsible for implementing the party’s promise of providing Rs 1,000 per month to eligible women, including compiling and verifying beneficiary data. Elevating her could reinforce the party’s commitment to that pledge while sending a strong political message,” a source privy to discussions said.

AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal had made the promise of appointing a Dalit as a deputy CM if the party was voted to power before 2017. However, the AAP could not form the government then. It came to power in 2022. The Opposition has since reminded the AAP several times to fulfil the promise.

Cheema is a prominent figure and holds key portfolios such as finance, taxation, and excise. He is also the second seniormost minister in the Cabinet after the CM, and has previously served as Leader of the Opposition during the Congress government. “The party considers him a troubleshooter. He has often been entrusted with handling sensitive political situations and engaging with protesting employee unions during challenging times. However, now Dr Baljit Kaur’s name has emerged,” said a source.

He added that the announcement naming Dr Baljit Kaur as the deputy CM, expected by now, was not made as it could open a can of worms. “Dr Baljit Kaur is a first-time MLA from Malout. She currently holds the fourth position in pecking order and is the only woman minister in the Punjab government. She fits the bill. But naming her could annoy Cheema and his supporters and volunteers. The party is weighing all options,” said a source, adding that she had the CM’s backing.

Mann, it is learnt, is also backing the reinduction of his aide, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, in the Cabinet. Dhaliwal was ousted last year and named a party spokesperson. “The government has not yet got his official bungalow vacated. This shows that there is a chance that he may be re-inducted,” said a source.

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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