List of Former Chief Ministers of Punjab (1947-2024)

Punjab, the land of five rivers, has been a crucible of Indian politics since independence. Its rich cultural heritage and strategic significance have made it a focal point of political discourse. Over the decades, the state has seen the rise and fall of numerous political stalwarts who have held the reins of power as Chief Ministers. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on Punjab’s socio-political landscape. Here’s a comprehensive look at the former Chief Ministers who have steered the state’s destiny.

Chief Ministers of Punjab

Since India gained Independence, Punjab has witnessed a dynamic political landscape characterized by the leadership of various Chief Ministers. From the tumultuous times of Partition to the present day, each leader has left an indelible mark on the state’s trajectory. Let’s embark on a journey through Punjab’s political history, tracing the evolution of its Chief Ministers from Gopi Chand Bhargava to the current incumbent, Bhagwant Mann, who assumed office in March 2022.

Inaugural Chief Minister of Punjab

Gopi Chand Bhargava assumed office as the first Chief Minister of Punjab on August 15, 1947, coinciding with India’s independence. Leading the state through the tumultuous aftermath of Partition, Bhargava laid the foundation for Punjab’s governance, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s history.

Current Chief Minister of Punjab

Bhagwant Singh Mann, a multifaceted individual with a background in comedy, music, and acting, now serves as the 17th Chief Minister of Punjab since 2022. Known for his diverse talents and grassroots activism, Mann brings a fresh perspective to Punjab’s governance, embodying the aspirations of the people he represents.

First Female Chief Minister of Punjab

Rajinder Kaur Bhattal made history as Punjab’s inaugural female Chief Minister, blazing a trail for gender equality and representation. Her ascent marked a significant milestone, not only for Punjab but also for India, as she became the state’s pioneering woman leader and the eighth female Chief Minister in the country’s history.

List of Former Chief Ministers of Punjab

Since India gained Independence, Punjab has witnessed a dynamic political landscape characterized by the leadership of various Chief Ministers. Here is the complete list of former Chief Ministers of Punjab:

Former Chief Ministers of Punjab
S. No.	Name	From	To
1.	Gopi Chand Bhargava	15 Aug 1947	13 Apr 1949
2.	Bhim Sen Sachar	13 Apr 1949	18 Oct 1949
3.	Gopi Chand Bhargava	18 Oct 1949	20 Jun 1951
4.	President’s Rule	20 Jun 1951	17 Apr 1952
5.	Bhin Sen Sachar	17 Apr 1952	23 Jan 1956
6.	Partap Singh Kairon	23 Jan 1956	21 Jun 1964
7.	Gopi Chand Bhargava	21 Jun 1964	06 Jul 1964
8.	Ram Kishan	07 Jul 1964	05 Jul 1966
9.	President’s Rule	05 Jul 1966	01 Nov 1966
10.	Giani Gurmukh Singh Musafir	01 Nov 1966	08 Mar 1967
11.	Gurnam Singh	08 Mar 1967	25 Nov 1967
12.	Lachhman Singh Gill	25 Nov 1967	23 Aug 1968
13.	President’s Rule	23 Aug 1968	17 Feb 1969
14.	Gurnam Singh	17 Feb 1969	27 Mar 1970
15.	Parkash Singh Badal	27 Mar 1970	14 Jun 1971
16.	President’s Rule	14 Jun 1971	17 Mar 1972
17.	Zail Singh	17 Mar 1972	30 Apr 1977
18.	President’s Rule	30 Apr 1977	20 Jun 1977
19.	Parkash Singh Badal	20 Jun 1977	17 Feb 1980
20.	President’s Rule	17 Feb 1980	06 Jun 1980
21.	Darbara Singh	06 Jun 1980	06 Oct 1983
22.	President’s Rule	06 Oct 1983	29 Sep 1985
23.	Surjit Singh Barnala	29 Sep 1985	11 Jun 1987
24.	President’s Rule	11 Jun 1987	25 Feb 1992
25.	Beant Singh	25 Feb 1992	31 Aug 1995
26.	Harcharan Singh Brar	31 Aug 1995	21 Nov 1996
27.	Rajinder Kaur Bhattal	21 Nov 1996	11 Feb 1997
28.	Parkash Singh Badal	12 Feb 1997	26 Feb 2002
29.	Amarinder Singh	26 Feb 2002	01 Mar 2007
30.	Parkash Singh Badal	01 Mar 2007	16 Mar 2017
31.	Amarinder Singh	16 Mar 2017	18 Sep 2021
32.	Charanjit Singh Channi	20 Sep 2021	16 Mar 2022
33.	Bhagwant Mann	16 Mar 2022	Incumbent

FAQs

Who was the first Chief Minister of Punjab?

Gopi Chand Bhargava assumed office as the first Chief Minister of Punjab on August 15, 1947, coinciding with India's independence.

Who is the current chief minister of Punjab?

Bhagwant Singh Mann, a multifaceted individual with a background in comedy, music, and acting, now serves as the 17th Chief Minister of Punjab since 2022.