Punjab BJP Workers Upset Over Outsiders in Key Roles
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing a wave of discontent in Punjab, following the appointment of 21 new district presidents out of 37 organizational zones. Of these, 16 leaders were earlier with rival parties such as Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Lok Insaaf Party.
While the move is seen as part of the BJP’s strategy to broaden its base in the politically complex state, it has deeply upset loyal grassroots workers, who feel overlooked despite years of commitment.
Congress and SAD Turncoats Lead Key Districts
Starting with Amritsar Rural, Amritpal Bonny, a former SAD MLA and ex-state president of BJP’s Backward Class Morcha, now leads the unit. Similarly, Hardeep Singh Gill, once a SAD member who joined BJP in 2023, is heading Amritsar Rural-2.
Other notable crossovers elevated to key posts include:
- Sarabjeet Singh Bath (Ferozepur) – ex-SAD, joined BJP before 2022 elections.
- Baghel Singh (Gurdaspur) – ex-Congress and AAP member, joined BJP post-2022.
- Bhupinder Cheema (Khanna) – former SAD leader and cousin of BJP general secretary Bikram Cheema.
- Ajaib Singh Bhatti (Fatehgarh Sahib) – ex-SAD MLA, switched to BJP pre-2022.
- Gagandeep Sunny Kainth (Jagraon) – formerly with Congress and Lok Insaaf Party.
- Harjot Kamal (Moga) – ex-Congress MLA, joined BJP after being denied a ticket in 2022.
- Sarup Chand Singla (Bathinda Urban) – ex-Akali MLA.
- Rajwinder Lucky (Nawanshahr) – switched from Congress to SAD, then to BJP in 2022.
Patiala, Amarinder’s Turf, Also Dominated by Ex-Congressmen
Patiala, the stronghold of former CM Captain Amarinder Singh, is now fully led by BJP leaders who were formerly with the Congress. These include:
- Jaspal Singh Gagroli (Patiala Rural North)
- Harmesh Goyal (Patiala Rural South)
- Vijay Kumar Garg Kuka (Patiala Urban)
In Sangrur, Daman Thind Bajwa, also a former NSUI president, now leads the BJP unit.
Only Five Old-Timers Among 21 Appointments
Among the 21 new appointments, only five leaders have long-standing ties to the BJP:
- Suresh Sharma (Pathankot)
- Harsimrat Walia (Batala)
- Jagat Kathuria (Malerkotla)
- Sanjeev Vaishisht (Mohali)
- Rajinder Pal Sharma (Jagraon)
Their appointments stand in sharp contrast to the wave of newly inducted leaders with backgrounds in rival parties.
Grassroots Workers Feel Betrayed by Party Leadership
Many long-time BJP workers feel sidelined and disrespected. A former district president from the Majha region expressed his frustration:
“When Ashwani Sharma became acting president, grassroots workers were hopeful. They were unhappy with Sunil Jakhar, who did not understand BJP’s internal structure. But now, again, we are seeing new faces—people who joined the party just one or two years ago—getting key posts.”
Party insiders say the lack of recognition for loyal workers may affect morale and organizational strength on the ground, especially ahead of future elections.
Strategic Move or Risky Gamble?
While senior BJP leaders defend the appointments as necessary to boost electoral performance, especially in a state where the party has limited independent influence, the decision could backfire internally.
With Assembly elections a few years away, balancing new faces and old loyalists will be critical. Many fear that persistent neglect of core cadres may lead to internal rifts and reduced booth-level activity.
Party Leadership Remains Silent
Ashwani Sharma, the party’s acting state president, was unavailable for comment, reportedly occupied with internal meetings. Meanwhile, speculation continues within BJP circles about how these appointments will play out in the long term.