CHANDIGARH: Punjab and Haryana High Court Advocate Jagmohan Singh Bhatti has challenged the recent Punjab cabinet expansion citing Article 163 and 164, according to which, only 15 per cent of the total MLAs can be inducted as cabinet ministers. Bhatti said, “The recent cabinet expansion has added nine ministers in Punjab and the total strength of cabinet ministers in Punjab has now touched 18 which violates the provisions of article 163 and 164 and is illegal and unconstitutional. The court has issued notices to the centre, Punjab and Haryana. I hope that the court will take a suitable action.”
The Punjab government responded by denying any violations while inducting the ministers. State advocate General Atul Nanda said the recent expansion was within the limit and the state government will soon file its reply in the court. The Opposition meanwhile, jumped on the opportunity, and criticised Captain Amarinder Singh for ignoring Doaba region from where only one minister has been inducted besides ignoring the scheduled caste and backward classes communities.
Spokesperson of Shironmani Akali Dal (SAD), Daljit Singh Cheema said, “Captain Amarinder Singh's decision to expand its cabinet has not only sparked dissidence in his own party but has also exposed his step-motherly treatment meted out to various regions of Punjab including the Doaba from where only one minister has been inducted. This shows the anti-people face of Punjab government.” Bhatti had earlier also challenged Haryana cabinet expansion and the matter is still pending in the High Court. Hearing of the petition will come up on May 5.
