Chandigarh: A new chapter began in Punjab BJP on Wednesday as Kewal Singh Dhillon formally assumed office as the party’s state president at a ceremony in Chandigarh attended by senior leaders and party workers. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was among the prominent leaders present during the occasion, which marked Dhillon’s official entry into the role.
Following the charge-taking ceremony, a larger gathering was organised at Law Bhawan in Sector 37, where leaders from the party’s national and state units addressed workers and outlined the organisation’s future roadmap in Punjab.
Dhillon, who recently replaced Sunil Jakhar as the state BJP chief, interacted with party workers and leaders, emphasizing the need to strengthen the organisation at the grassroots level. His appointment is being viewed as a significant move by the party as it seeks to broaden its reach across Punjab ahead of future electoral contests.
A veteran politician with decades of public life behind him, Dhillon previously served in the Congress and represented Barnala in the Punjab Assembly. Since being entrusted with the BJP leadership role, he has been actively engaging with party functionaries and workers across the state.
His elevation, however, has also sparked political debate. Former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh publicly questioned the choice, stating that while he shares a cordial relationship with Dhillon, he did not support the appointment and felt the party could have considered other options.
Opposition parties have also weighed in. Punjab Congress leaders described the appointment as another example of the BJP relying on former Congress members to lead its state unit. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann refrained from making detailed remarks, saying the new president’s performance would ultimately determine his political impact.
With the formal assumption of office completed, Dhillon now faces the challenge of uniting the party organisation and expanding BJP’s influence in Punjab’s rural and urban constituencies alike.
