The journey of Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal reflects perseverance, grassroots connection and a career spanning medicine and public life. Rising from humble beginnings in Hoshiarpur district, Punjab, he has followed a path from medical practice to legislative leadership.
Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal. Photo source: The Tribune — “Chabbewal in House panel”.
Early Life and Educational Foundations
Born on 8 May 1969 in Manjhi village in Hoshiarpur district, as recorded in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha’s biographical directory, Dr. Chabbewal grew up facing financial hardships. In a March 2024 press conference reported by The Tribune, he described his family’s poverty and said his father, who worked as a peon, placed a high priority on his education.
Pursuing a path in medicine, he earned MBBS and MD qualifications and established a professional career as a radiologist. His 2024 election affidavit, reproduced by the Association for Democratic Reforms, records an MD in Radio-Diagnosis from Guru Nanak Dev University, Medical College, Amritsar, in 1998. He has described healthcare and education for disadvantaged people as central motivations for entering politics.
Entering Public Service and Grassroots Leadership
Dr. Chabbewal joined the Indian National Congress in 2009. In 2015, he was appointed chairperson of the party’s Scheduled Caste Department in Punjab, taking on an organisational role concerned with social representation and community issues.
His public career developed within the Doaba region, connecting his professional identity as a doctor with the responsibilities of political representation. His progression through party leadership, the Punjab Assembly and Parliament forms an important part of his association with Hoshiarpur.
Legislative Journey and Parliamentary Achievements
Member of the Punjab Legislative Assembly
- 2017 electoral breakthrough: Dr. Chabbewal won the Chabbewal (SC) Assembly constituency on a Congress ticket, beginning his first term as an MLA.
- 2022 re-election and leadership role: He retained the seat in the 2022 Punjab Assembly election. In April 2022, he was appointed Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.
The Punjab Assembly’s biographical directory also records his work on its Committee on Petitions during 2022–23 and the committees dealing with agriculture and allied activities and the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes during 2023–24.
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
On 15 March 2024, Dr. Chabbewal resigned from Congress and the Punjab Assembly and joined the Aam Aadmi Party. Contesting the 2024 general election from Hoshiarpur, he won a seat in the 18th Lok Sabha. PTI reported on 4 June 2024 that he defeated Congress candidate Yamini Gomar by 44,111 votes, citing the Election Commission.
His parliamentary biography lists him as a member of the Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel from 26 September 2024. This is a specific documented committee responsibility, alongside his role representing Hoshiarpur in Parliament.
A Legacy of Resilience and Community Connection
Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal’s career brings together medical expertise and experience in electoral politics. From his beginnings in Manjhi village to representing Hoshiarpur at state and national levels, his life illustrates how education and sustained participation in public life can widen an individual’s sphere of responsibility.
His medical qualifications, two Assembly election victories and election to Parliament are the clearest documented milestones of that journey. For Hoshiarpur’s readers, his continuing public role provides a basis for following his parliamentary work, constituency engagement and verified contributions to the region.
Sources and Editorial Note
This personality profile is based on official biographical records, an election-affidavit transcription and dated news reports. Personal accounts of childhood and motivation are attributed to Dr. Chabbewal. Biographical details checked on 27 October 2026.
- Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Who’s Who: Dr. Raj Kumar, Chabbewal — printed page 205.
- Digital Sansad: official biography and positions held.
- ADR/MyNeta: 2024 election affidavit, educational qualification.
- The Tribune, 16 March 2024: joining AAP and his account of his background.
- PTI / Devdiscourse, 4 June 2024: Hoshiarpur Lok Sabha election victory.
- The Indian Express, 8 May 2026: background chronology, Congress entry and SC Department appointment.