Chandigarh: Punjab BJP chief Kewal Dhillon and the party’s state organising secretary Mantri Srinivasulu have been called to Delhi for a meeting with senior BJP leaders, a day after Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Badal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The sudden summons has triggered speculation within Punjab BJP circles, particularly at a time when the party is preparing its strategy for the upcoming state elections and dealing with discontent following a recent organisational reshuffle.
Dhillon, Srinivasulu leave Ludhiana midway
Dhillon and Srinivasulu were in Ludhiana on Saturday for meetings involving the BJP’s newly appointed state office-bearers and district presidents when they were asked to travel to Delhi.
Both leaders reportedly left the ongoing meetings midway. A separate meeting concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Punjab was also scheduled in Ludhiana following the state-level organisational programme.
The exact agenda of the Delhi meeting has not been officially disclosed.
Modi-Sukhbir meeting adds to speculation
The development comes a day after SAD chief Sukhbir Badal held a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi.
The meeting has fuelled speculation about the possibility of renewed political engagement between the BJP and SAD, which were long-standing allies in Punjab before parting ways.
However, there has been no official confirmation regarding any electoral arrangement between the two parties.
Internal discontent may also figure in talks
One possibility being discussed within Punjab BJP circles is that the party leadership could take up the issue of dissatisfaction over the recent restructuring of the state unit.
The organisational changes have reportedly triggered opposition from a section of party leaders and workers. Former Punjab minister Tikshan Sood and some of his supporters have resigned from their organisational positions in protest.
The issue could therefore come up during the discussions with the central leadership.
Poll strategy another likely focus
Another view within the party is that the meeting could be connected to preparations for the Punjab Assembly elections and follow-up discussions on the BJP’s electoral roadmap.
Sources cited in the report said the meeting may also be linked to an earlier interaction between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Punjab BJP leaders concerning preparations for the state polls.
According to the information provided, BJP national general secretary (organisation) BL Santosh and national general secretary Nitin Nabin are expected to meet Dhillon and Srinivasulu in Delhi.
With the BJP simultaneously dealing with organisational dissent and preparing its political strategy in Punjab, the outcome of the Delhi meeting is likely to attract considerable attention within the state unit.
