BJP appoints Kewal Singh Dhillon as Punjab State President, first Sikh to hold post
Chandigarh, May 28, 2026:
In a significant organisational move ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Kewal Singh Dhillon as the new state president of Punjab. This marks the first time in the party’s history that a Sikh leader has been given charge of the state unit.
Kewal Singh Dhillon joined the BJP around four years ago after leaving the Congress party. He is considered a close associate of former Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh.
His name was reportedly supported by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who has been actively involved in strengthening the BJP’s campaign efforts in Punjab.
He succeeds Sunil Jakhar, who previously served as the Punjab BJP president. Jakhar had submitted his resignation after the Lok Sabha elections, though the party had not immediately accepted it at the time.
Following his appointment, Dhillon stated that the BJP is fully united and will work collectively towards strengthening its presence in Punjab. He expressed confidence that the party would form the government in the state in 2027, adding that after West Bengal, Punjab would be the next major target for the BJP.