Chandigarh, May 28
The BJP has named Kewal Singh Dhillon as its new Punjab unit president, triggering a confident political pitch from the veteran leader who has set his sights on winning the 2027 Assembly elections.
Soon after his appointment, Dhillon said the party’s “first target” is to form a BJP government in Punjab, expressing gratitude to the leadership for entrusting him with what he called a major responsibility.
“The BJP will form its government in Punjab after the 2027 elections,” the 76-year-old leader said, striking an assertive tone shortly after taking charge.
Dhillon also launched a sharp attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accusing it of failing to deliver on poll promises and allowing what he described as a “goonda raj” in the state.
Once in power, Dhillon said the BJP would aim to make Punjab “the number one state in all areas”, adding that the party’s success in West Bengal would be followed by similar gains in Punjab.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s “rapid progress” and said the BJP’s development agenda would be taken directly to people across the state.
Responding to criticism that the BJP lacks a strong base in Punjab, Dhillon said confidently, “Take it in writing from me, the BJP will form its government in 2027.”
A former two-time Congress MLA from Barnala, Dhillon joined the BJP in 2022 and later served as vice-president of the state unit. He is also seen as a close associate of former Punjab Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Capt Amarinder Singh.
Dhillon replaces Sunil Jakhar as Punjab BJP chief, whose tenure ended after three years. Party insiders said the leadership shift also reflects internal calls to project a Sikh face in the state.
Reacting to the appointment, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh congratulated Dhillon and described him as “a true representative of Punjab’s culture and farming heritage”.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations from the depths of my heart to Kewal Singh Dhillon Ji on being entrusted with the historic responsibility of State President of Punjab BJP,” Chugh said in a post on X.
He expressed confidence that the party would strengthen its position in Punjab under Dhillon’s leadership and said the decision would prove to be “a milestone” for both the state’s future and the BJP organisation.
Chugh also called on party workers to take Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s welfare-focused vision to every household in Punjab and work towards the state’s development.
Dhillon appointment comes amid a wider organisational reshuffle. Archana Gupta has been named Haryana BJP president, while Union Minister Harsh Malhotra will head the Delhi unit, replacing Virendra Sachdeva.
In Tripura, BJP MLA Abhishek Debroy has been appointed state president. The changes were announced by BJP National General Secretary Arun Singh and take effect immediately, the party said.
