BJP's Punjab Leadership Under Microscope After National President Election
Political attention has shifted decisively to the Bharatiya Janata Party's Punjab unit following Nitin Nabin's uncontested election as the party's national president. Delegates from Punjab BJP gathered at the party's national headquarters on Monday, setting the stage for crucial discussions about the state's political future.
The Sunil Jakhar Conundrum
Sunil Jakhar, appointed Punjab BJP president in July 2023, finds himself at the center of intense speculation. He submitted his resignation after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the party failed to secure any seats in Punjab despite doubling its vote share compared to 2019. While reports about his resignation emerged in September 2024, Jakhar confirmed in November that he actually quit in June, immediately after the Lok Sabha results.
The national leadership has maintained an intriguing silence on this matter. They have never publicly acknowledged or acted upon Jakhar's resignation, continuing to treat him as the state president in official communications and activities.
"With active participation in state BJP activities, Jakhar officially remains the president," revealed a senior BJP leader who requested anonymity. "But yes, that resignation talk persists in the background. Now that the national president election is complete, everyone wants to know what announcement the BJP will make regarding Punjab."
Political Messaging and Health Concerns
Jakhar's recent public appearances have added fuel to the political speculation. At the Maghi Mela conference on January 14, he concluded his speech with a pointed message to political opponents, quoting Punjabi singer Labh Singh Hira: "Do whatever you want; I will strike back equally, and I will strike back even harder."
Two days later, on January 16, Jakhar led a BJP protest outside Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's residence, highlighting law and order issues and other state concerns. His commitment remained evident even through health challenges. On Sunday, Jakhar was admitted to Fortis Hospital in Mohali after complaining of chest pain but was discharged the same evening. By Monday, he had returned to Delhi to participate in national-level meetings at the party headquarters.
The Dual Leadership Possibility
Adding complexity to the situation is the appointment of Pathankot MLA Ashwani Sharma as working president of Punjab BJP on July 7, 2025. Sharma previously served two full terms as Punjab BJP president. Since July, both leaders have been working in close coordination, suggesting a potential dual leadership model for the state unit.
"To bring a double-engine government to Punjab, perhaps this is exactly what the BJP needed," commented another BJP leader. "Now, within the BJP, the double engine of Sunil Jakhar and Ashwani Sharma seems unlikely to leave any stone unturned in transforming the BJP's vehicle into a bullet train. We eagerly await an announcement from national headquarters regarding the state president, which could provide much-needed clarity."
Looking Toward 2027
With the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections clearly in sight, political observers are closely watching whether the BJP will maintain the current arrangement or implement strategic changes. Jakhar's official term as state president runs until July 2026, giving the party time to make decisions before the crucial state elections.
The party's Punjab unit currently operates in wait-and-watch mode, with all eyes fixed on the national leadership's next move. The coming weeks are expected to bring important developments as the BJP positions itself for the upcoming electoral battle in Punjab.
