Punjab CM Mann’s two more aides go, Kejriwal man may be chief adviser

In the run-up to the Delhi Vidhan Sabha elections, the Aam Aadmi Party now seems to be tightening its noose on the issue of good governance in Punjab — a model it wants to hardsell in Delhi.

Two more close aides of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann have resigned and speculation is rife about a “trusted lieutenant” of AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal being appointed as the chief adviser to the CM. The terms of appointment of the chief adviser are believed to have been cleared by the Cabinet, which met in Chandigarh this afternoon, although the official spokesperson has denied that such a move is being contemplated.

The party top brass in Delhi has also started holding meetings with Punjab ministers in Delhi, giving them time-bound targets for rolling out schemes effectively and ensuring good governance.

Mann’s official spokesperson confirmed that two close aides of the CM — Director, Media Relations (Overseas), Baltej Pannu and Director, Social Media, Manpreet Kaur had resigned.

With this, the number of close aides of the Chief Minister being shown the door/or having resigned is now four.

Earlier, Onkar Singh, OSD to the Chief Minister, was removed from his post, while Director, Communications, Navneet Wadhwa had resigned after his term in the CMO got over.

Punjab ministers given targets

• The AAP top brass in Delhi has started holding meetings with Punjab ministers
• They are being given time-bound targets for rolling out schemes & ensuring good governance