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 |
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