Punjab to get new BJP chief, Ashwani Sharma named working president to oversee internal poll

Punjab is all set to get a new BJP president with the party on Monday naming sitting MLA Ashwani Sharma as the working chief to oversee internal organisational elections.

Sharma, the lawmaker from Pathankot, will conduct the proceedings required to elect the new BJP state chief, replacing incumbent Sunil Jakhar.

Jakhar, 71, had been appointed Punjab BJP president in July 2023 and had few months ago submitted his resignation to the party high command, urging to be relieved.

The appointment of a working president means Jakhar will be replaced and a new state president elected soon.

Top BJP sources said a major national role was awaiting Sunil Jakhar whom the party could use in Rajasthan, where his late illustrious father Balram Jakhar had a major influence. Balram Jakhar, a former Speaker of the Lok Sabha, was elected to the Lower House from Ferozepur in Punjab and later from Sikar in Rajasthan.

Meanwhile, the appointment of Sharma as the working chief signals that he may well be the next state president of the BJP in Punjab.

Recently, Sat Sharma was named working president of the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir, while incumbent president Ravinder Raina was still in chair. Sat Sharma went on to replace Raina.

In Maharashtra, too, Ravindra Chavan was appointed working president of BJP in the state and later succeeded Chandrakant Bawankule, the incumbent state unit chief.

Bittu, Chugh welcome Ashwani Sharma’s appointment

Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing and former Ludhiana MP Ravneet Bittu welcomed the appointment of Ashwani Sharma as BJP Punjab working president.

BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh also hailed the appointment and said Sharma’s vast organisational experience would strengthen the party in the state.

“Sharma is a grassroots leader who will steer BJP to great heights in Punjab,” said Chugh.

Bittu said, “Sharma’s rich experience and unwavering commitment to the party will undoubtedly strengthen the BJP’s footprint in Punjab.”