BJP – Punjab BJP Faces Internal Rift After Organisational Reshuffle Ahead of 2027 Polls

BJP – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Punjab is facing growing internal dissatisfaction after a major organisational reshuffle sparked resignations, public criticism and protests from several senior leaders. Instead of presenting a united front before the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, the latest appointments have highlighted differences within the state unit, with many long-time party workers alleging that their contributions have been overlooked in favour of recently inducted leaders.

Leadership Changes Trigger Fresh Discontent

The controversy began after Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon, who took charge of the state unit in June, announced a new list of office-bearers on Sunday. The restructured team includes 12 vice-presidents, five general secretaries and 12 secretaries, while six district presidents were also replaced as part of the organisational exercise.

Several of the newly appointed leaders previously belonged to the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Their inclusion in key organisational positions has led to resentment among a section of the BJP’s traditional cadre, which believes that years of loyalty and grassroots work have not received due recognition.

Veteran Leaders Express Concern

One of the most significant developments was the resignation of senior BJP leader Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal, who had remained associated with the party since 1992. In his resignation letter addressed to the party’s national leadership, Grewal said the organisation had changed considerably from the one he had joined decades ago.

He claimed that dedicated workers across Punjab felt ignored and that commitment to the party’s ideology was gradually losing importance. Calling his decision a matter of principle, Grewal argued that any political organisation weakens when experienced workers feel neglected while dissatisfaction continues to grow.

Party spokesperson Chetan Mohan Joshi also resigned from the BJP’s primary membership, stating that personal dignity had become his priority.

District-Level Changes Intensify Protests

The replacement of district presidents has further fuelled tensions within the party. In Hoshiarpur Urban, newly appointed district president Satish Bawa was replaced by Nitin Gupta, popularly known as Nannu. The move generated strong reactions from local leaders, particularly those aligned with former Punjab minister Tikshan Sood.

Hoshiarpur Rural district president Yogesh Sapra was also replaced, while district leadership changes were announced for Sangrur, Muktsar, Faridkot and Khanna.

These decisions prompted protests from several office-bearers, with many questioning the process followed in selecting the new leadership.

Tikshan Sood Criticises Organisational Functioning

Former Punjab cabinet minister Tikshan Sood openly criticised the party’s organisational leadership, alleging that important decisions were being made without proper understanding of local political realities. He also questioned the style of functioning adopted by the state organisation and warned that sidelining committed workers could affect the party’s future prospects.

In protest, Sood announced that he and his supporters were stepping down from their organisational responsibilities while continuing as primary members of the BJP. A list containing the names of 111 office-bearers and workers who resigned from organisational posts was also made public.

Growing Debate Over Party Strategy

The latest developments have revived a broader debate within the Punjab BJP over the increasing induction of leaders from rival political parties. Since ending its alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal in 2020, the BJP has expanded its base by welcoming leaders from the Congress, SAD and AAP.

Supporters of this strategy believe it strengthens the party’s electoral reach, while many long-serving workers argue that experienced cadre members should not lose opportunities because of new entrants. Party insiders also suggest that dissatisfaction is not limited to veteran leaders, as some recently joined members have reportedly raised concerns over the decision-making process within the organisation.

With the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections approaching, the organisational changes have brought internal differences into the spotlight, presenting an important challenge for the party as it seeks to strengthen its position in the state.