Punjab BJP faces leadership crisis ahead of panchayat poll

The Punjab BJP is grappling with a leadership crisis as incumbent president Sunil Jakhar has resigned and remained absent from key meetings regarding the upcoming panchayat elections. Jakhar, who allegedly stepped down from his position, skipped a crucial meeting called by Vijay Rupani, the BJP’s Punjab in-charge, on Monday. The meeting was intended to address the party’s strategy for the panchayat elections. However, the BJP has yet to announce a replacement for Jakhar.

Despite Rupani’s statements to the media that Jakhar was still engaged with party work in New Delhi, his absence raised concerns among party officials. The meeting, attended by key leaders such as Manthri Srinivaslu, Daya Singh Sodhi, Jagmohan Raju and Rakesh Rathore, briefly touched on Jakhar’s absence. Two other organisation secretaries, Anil Sarin and Parminder Brar, were also absent from meeting.

Sources indicate that Jakhar had previously met BJP national president JP Nadda in New Delhi, expressing his desire to step down from the role. The final decision on Jakhar’s presidency is expected to be made by top national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Nadda.

The Punjab BJP has also been facing internal strife, with dissatisfaction among grassroot workers over ticket allocation in the recent Lok Sabha elections. Of the 13 candidates fielded, 11 were former Congress leaders, which upset long-time BJP members who felt overlooked.

Rupani expressed frustration over the state unit’s failure to expand its membership base. The party had aimed to recruit 25 lakh members but managed to secure only about three lakh by the close of the membership drive.