served as a Member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Ajnala constituency in Amritsar district, Punjab.
Political Career
MLA from Ajnala
Dhaliwal was elected in the 2022 Punjab Legislative Assembly election as the AAP candidate from Ajnala.
Cabinet Minister in Punjab Government
He was inducted into the Punjab Cabinet on 19 March 2022 under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann after AAP’s landslide victory.
Portfolios initially held:
Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
Rural Development & Panchayats
Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Affairs
These were significant responsibilities focused on rural and agricultural sectors.
Over time, his ministerial roles were reduced:
In 2023, he lost Agriculture, Rural Development, and Panchayats portfolios in a reshuffle.
He was assigned the Department of Administrative Reforms, which was subsequently recognized as non-existent (no officers, budget, or structure).
Exit from Cabinet
On 3 July 2025, Dhaliwal resigned from his ministerial post during a further cabinet reshuffle. He said “Punjab comes first, not the post” and accepted that other leaders should be given opportunity.
His former NRI Affairs portfolio was reassigned to another minister.
Allegations Around Drugs
BJP leaders raised allegations of facilitating drug offenders, which he denied as false and defamatory; he stated his actions focused on rehabilitation and enforcement.
Roles & Public Statements
Dhaliwal continues to be active in AAP politics and was later named AAP Punjab Chief Spokesperson after his exit from cabinet.
He has been vocal on law and order issues, warning against criminal elements, and has participated in local crisis responses like flood assessments and relief coordination in his constituency.
Personal Background & Traits
Originally from Punjab (birthplace reported as Jagdev Kalan, Punjab), he gave up U.S. citizenship to return to India and pursue politics with the AAP.
Known within his party as a loyal worker since his joining around 2015, and committed to governance “with or without office.”
