In a major development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has named senior leader and Pathankot MLA Ashwani Sharma as the new working president of its Punjab unit. His appointment comes as the party begins the process of electing new state presidents across the country.
Ashwani Sharma, a three-time MLA, will now oversee the internal elections to choose the next state BJP chief, likely stepping into the role himself. In BJP’s structure, working presidents are usually elevated to full-time presidents, making Sharma the front-runner to succeed Sunil Jakhar.
Jakhar, who took charge of the Punjab BJP in July 2023 after replacing Sharma, had already expressed his desire to step down. At 71, Jakhar had submitted his resignation to the party high command a few months ago, citing concerns over how issues related to Punjab were being handled. He had also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about these issues.
Sources in the BJP say that Jakhar may soon take up a national-level role, possibly including a seat in the Rajya Sabha. There is also speculation that he may be assigned responsibilities in Rajasthan, where his late father, Balram Jakhar — a former Speaker of the Lok Sabha — had significant political influence.
This leadership change comes as the BJP continues its internal organisational polls. The party’s national leadership elections will follow the completion of key state-level changes.
BJP General Secretary Tarun Chugh welcomed Ashwani Sharma’s appointment, saying that his experience and dedication would bring fresh energy to the Punjab unit. He added that the BJP, under Sharma’s leadership, would take its message to every village and city in Punjab and fight to restore good governance, development, and security.
Chugh also criticized the current Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government, calling it dictatorial and saying the BJP will work to “send the guests from Delhi back home.”
The BJP hopes that this leadership transition will help it strengthen its presence in Punjab and gear up for future political challenges in the state.
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