Chandigarh: Senior BJP leader and former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday clarified that he had no involvement in the appointment of Kewal Singh Dhillon as the new chief of the Punjab BJP unit.
Responding to speculation surrounding Dhillon’s elevation, Capt Amarinder stated that the decision was entirely taken by the party leadership and should not be linked to him personally. He remarked that his priority remains strengthening the BJP in Punjab rather than promoting any individual leader or regional grouping.
The former chief minister also dismissed reports suggesting that Dhillon’s appointment was influenced by his recommendations. He maintained that after joining the BJP, his focus has been on contributing to the party’s growth across the state.
Amarinder further pointed out that Dhillon had been politically independent for the past several years and denied suggestions that the newly appointed state BJP president functioned as part of his close political circle.
Dhillon, a former Congress MLA from Barnala who later joined the BJP, officially took over as Punjab BJP president earlier in the day. His appointment is being viewed as part of the party’s broader strategy to strengthen its support base among Sikh voters and expand its reach across rural Punjab.
Political observers believe the BJP is now placing special emphasis on the Malwa region, considered one of Punjab’s most influential political belts. Dhillon’s political background in Barnala is expected to help the party improve its organisational network in the area ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Capt Amarinder, who floated the Punjab Lok Congress after leaving the Congress party and later merged it with the BJP, reiterated that party decisions should not be interpreted through regional or factional lenses. He said the BJP leadership would collectively work toward building a stronger political alternative in Punjab.
