Navjot Sidhu’s aide Gulzar Chahal appointed Vice-Chairperson of Punjab Planning Board

In September 2021, Chahal resigned from the post of PCC treasurer in solidarity with Sidhu who had quit as its chief in protest against the appointment of the then Advocate General A P S Deol. Sidhu had argued that Deol was the counsel for Dera Sacha Sauda chief Ram Rahim Singh who is currently serving a jail term for raping two of his disciples.

Chahal has also served as the president of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA). He, however, had to step down from the post following a controversy after his father and retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Harinder Singh Chahal was accused of using a cricket ground unauthorisedly for a morning walk.

Chahal is also an actor, producer, and entrepreneur. As part of his new appointment, he will be entitled to an office, official bungalow, and a vehicle, besides emoluments and perks. The Terms of Reference of his appointment have not been issued yet. His predecessor Gupta did not draw a salary while holding the post.