New Delhi: The President of India has appointed Raghuvinder Shokeen as a Minister in the Delhi government, as per a notification issued on 9 December. It was also stated that Shokeen will assume office following his swearing-in ceremony.
Another notification, released on the same day, confirmed the President’s acceptance of the resignation of Kailash Gahlot as a Minister in the Delhi government, with immediate effect. This development clears the way for Shokeen’s induction into the cabinet.
The decision for his appointment follows an earlier announcement by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in November, wherein the party’s National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal approved Jat leader Shokeen’s name for induction into the current Delhi Chief Minister Atishi’s cabinet. The move is seen as a strategic step by AAP to strengthen its outreach in rural Delhi, particularly among the Jat community, which Shokeen has represented for years.
Shokeen, a two-time MLA from Nangloi Jat and former two-term councillor, is known for his grassroots connections and contributions across various sectors in Delhi’s governance. It is understood that with a professional background in civil engineering, Shokeen’s appointment aligns with AAP’s emphasis on having educated leaders in its fold before the Delhi Assembly Election in 2025.
Announcing the development last month, senior AAP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia highlighted Shokeen’s credentials, stating that the national capital would see a new cabinet minister.
It was also told that the newly appointed Minister is not only a popular leader from the Jat community but also has done significant work in education and has been actively engaged in politics in rural Delhi.
Shokeen, who graduated in engineering (1983–88) from NIT, Kurukshetra, reportedly used to be active in politics during his college days. He expressed gratitude to the party leadership, last month, stating: “I thank Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and the entire leadership for this opportunity.” He then vowed to dedicate himself to the development of Delhi and the representation of rural constituencies.
It should be noted that last month, AAP named Shokeen — who was elected as an MCD councillor from Quammruddin Nagar in 2012 and joined AAP in 2015 — as the minister in the Delhi government within 24 hours of Kailash Gahlot’s exit from the party.
