BJP Punjab chief appointment: Kewal Singh Dhillon set to lead party into 2027 polls

The BJP has appointed 76-year-old industrialist and former Barnala MLA Kewal Singh Dhillon as its Punjab unit chief, replacing Sunil Jakhar. The party’s first Jat Sikh state president, Dhillon said his priority is forming a BJP government in Punjab after the 2027 Assembly polls, while criticising the AAP-led state government.

The BJP on Thursday named Kewal Singh Dhillon as president of its Punjab unit. Soon after the decision, Dhillon said the party would form the state government after the 2027 Assembly polls. Dhillon, 76, is a former MLA from Barnala. Dhillon also becomes the first Jat Sikh to lead the BJP unit in Punjab.

Dhillon replaces Sunil Jakhar, whose three-year term as Punjab BJP chief ends in July. Dhillon joined the BJP in 2022 after serving twice as a Congress MLA. Dhillon was later made vice-president of the party’s state unit. The announcement also drew quick reactions from leaders of the AAP and Congress.

BJP Punjab unit chief Kewal Singh Dhillon targets 2027

Dhillon thanked the party leadership for the new role and set an early goal. Dhillon said the first target was to form a BJP government in Punjab. Dhillon also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s fast progress. Dhillon added that the BJP would grow despite claims that it lacks a base in Punjab.

Dhillon attacked the AAP government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Dhillon said it failed to meet election promises made to people in the state. Dhillon also alleged that a goonda raj prevailed under AAP rule. Dhillon’s political base is in the Sangrur region. The area also includes Mann’s home turf in the Malwa belt.

"Once we form the government in Punjab, we will make it the No. 1 state in all areas. After West Bengal, the lotus will now bloom in Punjab too,\" Dhillon said.

\"Take it in writing from me, the BJP will form its government in Punjab in 2027,\" Dhillon said.

AAP and Congress react to BJP Punjab unit chief Kewal Singh Dhillon

AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal mocked the appointment soon after it was announced. Kejriwal said the BJP had \"surrendered\" in Punjab by naming Dhillon. Kejriwal also claimed the BJP campaign would focus only on agency action. Kejriwal added that Punjabis did not fear such steps.

\"The BJP has already seen that Punjabis arent scared of these petty little raids,\" Kejriwal said.

Bhagwant Mann also criticised the BJP’s decision and called it an insult to senior leaders. Mann said Dhillon, earlier a Congress leader, had lost elections in the Barnala region. Mann said Dhillon was defeated in polls in 2017-2019 and in 2024. Mann also made a sarcastic remark about other BJP leaders.

In that remark, Mann named Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu. Mann also named Manpreet Singh Badal, Fatehjung Bajwa, Tarun Chugh and Ashwani Sharma. Mann said they should get strength to bear the humiliation. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring also attacked the BJP. Warring said the party had no one in its own ranks for the post.

Punjab issues raised by BJP Punjab unit chief Kewal Singh Dhillon

Speaking to reporters, Dhillon listed problems Punjab faced. Dhillon mentioned drugs, unemployment, gangsterism and rising debt. Dhillon also referred to issues linked to youth and traders. Dhillon said: \"I only know hardwork and we are committed to make Punjab regain its lost glory. We want to see Punjab prosperous again like it was under the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh,\"

Dhillon also made a veiled dig at rivals without naming anyone. Dhillon said: \"I want to say that neither I know how to crack jokes, nor how to indulge in theatrics, I only know hardwork. Our only issue is to see Punjabs development and see it happy.\" Dhillon added that people wanted a government under Modi’s leadership.

Dhillon spoke about neighbouring Haryana, which is ruled by the BJP. Dhillon said every section there was happy and cited farm procurement. Dhillon said the government was buying 24 crops at MSP. Dhillon said jobs would come and industries would grow if the BJP won Punjab. Dhillon said people saw development in BJP-ruled states.

Sunil Jakhar on handing over Punjab BJP chief role

Outgoing chief Sunil Jakhar said the role had been an honour and a duty. Jakhar said support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guidance from Home Minister Amit Shah helped. Jakhar also said the party’s strength came from workers and supporters across Punjab. Jakhar said their cooperation shaped his tenure.

\"As this responsibility now passes on, my warm wishes and full support are with Kewal Dhillon ji. I am confident that under his leadership, the organization will continue to grow stronger and serve Punjab with even greater commitment,\" Jakhar said.

Sources said some BJP leaders in Punjab wanted a Sikh face for the top post. Dhillon was earlier seen as close to Amarinder Singh, a former chief minister. Amarinder Singh congratulated Dhillon on X, saying: \"Heartiest congratulations to S. Kewal Singh Dhillon Ji on being appointed as the President of Bharatiya Janata Party Punjab. Wishing him great success in strengthening the party across Punjab,\"

Jakhar also said the bond with Punjab and the organisation stayed beyond any post. Jakhar said that connection would continue with the same warmth and commitment. Dhillon, an industrialist-politician, now faces the task of leading the BJP unit ahead of 2027. The appointment has already triggered sharp political reactions across Punjab.

With inputs from PTI