Kewal Singh Dhillon takes charge as Punjab BJP’s first Jat Sikh president

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Punjab entered a new phase on Wednesday as veteran politician Kewal Singh Dhillon formally took charge as the state party president. His appointment is considered historic because he is the first Jat Sikh leader to head the Punjab BJP.

The ceremony took place at the party’s state headquarters in Chandigarh and was attended by several senior BJP leaders, party workers, and supporters from across Punjab. The event was marked by a mix of Sikh and Hindu religious traditions, symbolising the party’s effort to connect with different sections of society in the state.

The occasion also highlighted the BJP’s growing focus on rural Punjab as it prepares for future political battles, especially the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

A historic leadership change

Kewal Singh Dhillon officially assumed charge in a grand ceremony attended by BJP leaders from Punjab and neighbouring Haryana. The event began with traditional Sikh ardaas (prayer) and Hindu puja rituals, reflecting Punjab’s diverse cultural and religious heritage.

One of the most talked-about moments of the ceremony was the installation of a portrait of Maharaja Ranjit Singh inside the office of the Punjab BJP president. It was the first time that a portrait of the legendary Sikh ruler was placed in the office, making it a symbolic gesture by the party.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh is remembered as one of Punjab’s greatest rulers. He established a powerful Sikh Empire in the early nineteenth century and was known for promoting harmony among different communities. By placing his portrait in the office, the BJP sought to highlight his legacy of inclusive governance.

After taking charge, Dhillon addressed party workers and leaders. He said Punjab was entering a new era and stressed the need to learn from the governance model of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

According to Dhillon, Punjab once enjoyed prosperity, social harmony and economic growth, and he expressed confidence that the state could regain its former glory. He said the BJP would work at the grassroots level and focus on villages, farmers, youth and ordinary citizens.

Dhillon also stated that the BJP was no longer limited to a few urban areas in Punjab. Instead, the party planned to expand its presence across rural regions and connect directly with people at the village level.

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BJP eyes stronger presence in Punjab

The appointment of Kewal Singh Dhillon is being viewed as part of the BJP’s larger strategy to strengthen its position in Punjab.

Senior BJP leader Tarun Chugh, who represented the party’s central leadership at the ceremony, described Dhillon’s appointment as a major milestone. He said the selection of a leader with rural roots demonstrated the party’s commitment to representing all sections of Punjab’s society.

Chugh also expressed confidence that the BJP would continue to grow in the state and eventually form the government on its own.

Outgoing Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar welcomed Dhillon and praised the organisational work carried out during the past three years. He said leadership changes are a sign of a healthy political organisation and promised his full support to the new president.

Jakhar noted that the BJP had worked hard to establish itself as an independent political force in Punjab and that the next phase would focus on expanding that support further.

Several senior leaders attended the event, including Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, veteran BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia, working president Ashwani Sharma, former minister Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, former finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal and Member of Parliament Satnam Singh Sandhu.

The gathering displayed unity within the state BJP leadership. Party workers from both urban and rural areas participated enthusiastically, turning the event into something that resembled the launch of an election campaign.

Traditional Sikh slogans and Hindu religious chants were heard throughout the programme, creating an atmosphere of celebration and solidarity.

Another notable presence was former Member of Parliament Preneet Kaur. Political observers viewed her attendance as significant because her husband, former Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, had recently distanced himself from Dhillon’s appointment.

Despite such differences, BJP leaders appeared determined to present a united front as the party prepares for future elections.

Focus on rural Punjab

Dhillon’s appointment carries special importance because he comes from a rural political background and belongs to Punjab’s influential Jat Sikh community.

For many years, the BJP was largely seen as an urban-focused party in Punjab. It traditionally relied on support from traders, business communities, urban voters and certain social groups while contesting elections alongside the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).

The BJP and SAD remained allies for nearly three decades. During this period, the Akali Dal helped the BJP gain support among Sikh and rural voters, while the BJP contributed its urban voter base.

However, the alliance ended in September 2020 following disagreements over the now-repealed farm laws introduced by the central government.

The breakup forced the BJP to rethink its strategy in Punjab. Since then, the party has been working to build an independent political base that includes farmers, rural communities and Sikh voters.

The selection of a Jat Sikh leader as state president is widely seen as part of this strategy.

Dhillon’s political journey

Kewal Singh Dhillon is a well-known political figure in Punjab. Before joining the BJP, he was associated with the Congress Party for many years.

He served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Barnala and won elections twice, representing the constituency from 2007 to 2017.

Following the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, which saw a massive victory for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Dhillon left the Congress and joined the BJP in June 2022.

Since joining the BJP, he has steadily risen within the organisation. He served as vice-president of the state unit and later became a member of the party’s core committee.

His elevation to the position of state president reflects the trust placed in him by the BJP leadership.

Looking ahead to 2027

The leadership change comes at a crucial time for the Punjab BJP. The party has made it clear that it intends to contest the 2027 Assembly elections independently.

With Kewal Singh Dhillon at the helm, the BJP hopes to strengthen its presence in villages, attract new supporters and expand beyond its traditional urban base.

Party leaders believe that a stronger connection with rural communities, combined with organisational growth, can help the BJP emerge as a major political force in Punjab.

As Dhillon begins his tenure, the focus will now be on building grassroots support, addressing public concerns and preparing the party for the political challenges that lie ahead.