Brahm Mohindra, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa ‘chosen’ Deputy CMs

Chandigarh, September 19

With Dalit leader Charanjit Channi being made the Chief Minister, the party high command in an effort to balance the caste equation is learnt to have decided on offering the post of Deputy CM to Brahm Mohindra, a Hindu face, and Sukhjinder Randhawa, a Jat.

A tweet by AICC treasurer Pawan Kumar Bansal congratulating Mohindra and Randhwa for the elevation pointed to the party’s decision.

Their names were discussed at today’s CPC meeting. Sunil Jakhar is also learnt to have been offered the post, but he refused. The adjustment of an OBC leader is, however, not clear.

In the outgoing Congress government, Mohindra, a confidant of Capt Amarinder Singh, was the senior-most minister. On the other hand, Randhawa, once close to Captain, had parted ways after differences over fulfilling of poll promises. With this, the party high command has tried to accommodate leaders close to Captain Amarinder. The approach might reflect in the selection of the Cabinet.

Earlier, without taking names, Punjab affairs in charge Harish Rawat said: “Our mutual feeling is there should be two Deputy CMs. Soon we will take a call on it, besides selecting the Council of Ministers. Some names have been discussed but it is the CM’s prerogative, who after discussions with party high command, takes the call.” — TNS