In a significant political development, the Aam Aadmi Party has appointed former Punjab Cabinet minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal as its chief spokesperson, marking his return to a prominent party position just four months after his exit from the state government.
Political Comeback Amid Election Victory
The announcement came on November 15, 2024, coinciding with AAP's victory in the Tarn Taran Assembly by-election where party candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu defeated Shiromani Akali Dal nominee Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa by a substantial margin of 12,091 votes. This timing underscores the party's strategic move to strengthen its communication wing while riding the wave of electoral success.
Dhaliwal's appointment follows intense competition for the position, with party senior spokesperson Neel Garg and journalist-turned-AAP leader Baltej Pannu both vying for the crucial role over the past several weeks. The decision ultimately favored Dhaliwal, who is considered close to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
From Cabinet Minister to Chief Spokesperson
Dhaliwal's relationship with AAP dates back to 2015 when he first joined the party as a dedicated worker. His political journey took a significant turn when he won the Ajnala constituency in the 2022 Punjab Legislative Assembly elections and was subsequently inducted into Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's Cabinet.
During his ministerial tenure, Dhaliwal handled several important portfolios including:
- Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare
- Rural Development & Panchayats
- NRI Affairs
However, his ministerial career faced turbulence in May 2023 when a Cabinet reshuffle stripped him of his Agriculture and Rural Development portfolios, leaving him with NRI Affairs and the newly allocated Department of Administrative Reforms. The latter turned out to be a non-existent department with no budget, staff, or officers.
Demonstrated Loyalty and Public Service
Following his removal from the Cabinet in July 2024, Dhaliwal maintained his commitment to public service and party loyalty. He was actively involved in relief operations during the 2025 floods in Punjab, where he used his own tractor for rescue missions and coordinated with BSF officers stationed at embankments.
His statement after leaving the Cabinet reflected his dedication: "Punjab comes first for me; the post is not important. The party wants to give newer leaders a chance, and I accepted it in the spirit of service."
Dhaliwal's political journey is particularly notable given that he surrendered his US citizenship to return to Punjab and enter politics, demonstrating his deep commitment to serving his home state.
The appointment signals AAP's confidence in Dhaliwal's communication skills and party loyalty as the party prepares for future electoral challenges and strengthens its position in Punjab politics.
