In a move that has caught political circles by surprise but has been presented with humility and grace, Punjab minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal announced his resignation from the state cabinet on Thursday. While resignations in political office often trigger speculation and controversy, Dhaliwal has made it clear that his decision to step down is entirely voluntary and rooted in his personal philosophy of selfless service, not positional entitlement. The seasoned AAP leader, who represents the Ajnala constituency, reaffirmed his steadfast commitment to the party and its leadership, reiterating that for him, Punjab has always come first.
Speaking to the media shortly after submitting his resignation, Dhaliwal emphasized that his decision came after he was informed that another individual might be given an opportunity in the cabinet. Without hesitation, he agreed. In his own words, “There is no pressure. I have resigned of my own will. For me, Punjab comes before position and portfolios. If someone else is being considered for the role, then they absolutely deserve a chance.” He added that there was no discomfort or dissatisfaction, only a deep respect for the democratic process within the party and its larger mission for the people of Punjab.
This gesture of voluntary resignation stands in contrast to the more common practice of political contestation for ministerial berths. Dhaliwal, however, is not a conventional politician. He reminded reporters of his return to India from the United States in 2013, leaving his children behind to fight for what he called “Punjab’s cause.” Since then, he claims, he has never taken a single day off from political work and has remained on the ground, consistently engaged with people and the party’s objectives. He described himself not as a politician chasing departments, but as a loyal foot soldier of the Aam Aadmi Party, driven by ideology and responsibility rather than rank.
During his tenure, Dhaliwal headed key departments such as Revenue and later the NRI Affairs Ministry, and he did not exit without accomplishments to his name. He proudly stated that under his leadership, over 11,000 acres of land were freed from illegal encroachments—an unprecedented figure in Punjab’s bureaucratic landscape. In his subsequent role handling NRI affairs, he resolved nearly 4,000 cases involving overseas Punjabis, facilitating smoother bureaucratic processes and reinforcing the state’s ties with its global diaspora.
Despite stepping down from the cabinet, Dhaliwal has no intention of withdrawing from public life or party responsibilities. On the contrary, he has reiterated that his struggle for Punjab’s progress will continue with even greater vigour. He intends to focus more closely on his constituency, Ajnala, and contribute to grassroots development. In his words, the party’s journey is far from over, and he stands ready to take on whatever task is entrusted to him by the leadership.
The resignation also underscores the internal discipline and ethos of AAP in Punjab, where ministers, rather than clinging to power, are willing to make space for others and continue serving the people from outside formal office. Dhaliwal expressed deep gratitude to both Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for trusting him with key responsibilities over the last three and a half years. He highlighted his long-standing personal bonds with both leaders, revealing that his association with Kejriwal was the reason he returned to India from the U.S., and that his friendship with Bhagwant Mann dates back to 1992.
Dhaliwal’s dignified exit is being seen as a rare example of political humility and loyalty in an era often defined by infighting and ambition. It reflects not only his individual values but also the maturing culture of the Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab. As political observers now turn their attention to who might fill the newly vacated cabinet position, the legacy of Dhaliwal’s ministerial work remains a significant chapter in the current administration’s record.
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