Corridors of power: Raghav Chadha’s role, heat on CM Mann, and AAP’s own Shah
From Raghav Chadha's influence over the BJP's organisational machinery to allegations reaching close to CM Bhagwant Mann's household and Jasmine Shah stepping up as AAP's key policy strategist, here is a breakdown of the latest power shifts from Punjab.
The BJP’s organisational rejig may have left Raghav Chadha without a role, but the Rajya Sabha MP remains an interesting piece on the political chessboard. All eyes are now on whether Chadha eventually finds a berth in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Cabinet or turns his attention back to Punjab. His value for AAP is not only political. Chadha was among those who kept track of the party’s funding and organisational affairs.
And anyone who knows the funding agencies, channels and organisational architecture of a political party arguably knows rather more than just the balance sheet. That is where the intrigue lies. In politics, one does not necessarily have to do much to make a rival uncomfortable. Sometimes, simply controlling the tap can do the trick. Blocking or tightening the flow of funds can leave an organisation struggling to keep afloat. For now, Chadha waits. And everyone else watches, intently.
Political firing gets too close to CM Mann
The political firing around Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann appears to be getting dangerously close to the fence of his residence. First, it was his OSD, Rajbir Ghuman, with the Enforcement Directorate writing to the Punjab DGP to book his longtime friend for exerting influence over transfers and postings.
Now, the spotlight has moved even closer to the Chief Minister’s family, with the NHRC taking cognisance of allegations that his wife, Dr Gurpreet Kaur, sought Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case and directing the Chief Secretary and DGP to submit an action taken report within two weeks. Dr Gurpreet Kaur has since served a legal notice on retired Justice Ranjit Singh, who addressed the media, citing a court order in the case.
He has denied making a complaint to anyone. And amid the controversy, Mann met Governor Gulab Chand Kataria at Punjab Lok Bhawan on Saturday. The meeting was held without an official briefing, with neither side disclosing what was discussed. The meeting and its discussions are being closely guarded, adding another layer of intrigue to the controversy.
AAP’s own Shah
With AAP co-incharge and former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain arrested by Delhi Police, the responsibility of reviewing the Bhagwant Mann government’s flagship schemes now rests with another Arvind Kejriwal loyalist, Jasmine Shah. Shah, who has penned a book on AAP national convenor Kejriwal, has been closely associated with the party’s policy and governance initiatives.
With Punjab heading for Assembly elections next year and the government rolling out its women’s financial assistance scheme in the run-up to the polls, Shah’s role assumes added significance. He is associated with the Punjab Development Commission, where the AAP government has put together a think tank of domain experts.
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In the political corridors, Shah is increasingly acquiring a role reminiscent of Amit Shah, the strategist who operates behind the scenes, keeps a close watch on the organisation and political delivery, and helps translate the government’s agenda into electoral strategy. In Punjab, the question is whether Jasmine Shah is emerging as AAP’s own “Shah”.
Kuldeep Dhaliwal’s message
AAP MLA and former minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal decided to step out one night in Ajnala, accompanied by the area DSP, to reassure shopkeepers amid concerns over threats and ransom calls. His message was simple yet loud: ask shopkeepers to keep their shops open, do business without fear, and, if anyone threatens them, call him directly. A confidence-building exercise, perhaps.
But the Opposition saw an entirely different picture. Dhaliwal’s nocturnal round was quickly turned into political ammunition, with critics arguing that if an MLA has to patrol the market with a DSP to tell shopkeepers not to shut their shops out of fear, it says rather more about the state of law and order than any official reassurance could. Sometimes, a confidence-building exercise can inadvertently expose the confidence deficit.
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.
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