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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) faced a significant setback amidst the Haryana Assembly elections as Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar reportedly submitted his resignation just before the upcoming Panchayat elections. Jakhar had taken over the post a year ago, but his decision to step down has sent shockwaves through the party in Punjab. While there has been no official confirmation of his resignation being accepted yet, the speculation has already stirred up major concerns within the party ranks.
When contacted, Jakhar did not respond to media queries, adding fuel to the already growing speculation. However, Punjab BJP General Secretary Anil Sareen dismissed the resignation reports, claiming they were mere rumors.
Reasons Behind Jakhar’s Resignation
Sources within the party reveal that Jakhar has been disgruntled over several recent developments, particularly the appointment of Ravneet Singh Bittu as a Union Minister of State. Bittu, who lost the recent Lok Sabha elections, was later nominated to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan, a move that reportedly didn’t sit well with Jakhar.
Additionally, Jakhar has expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which Punjab BJP leaders have been functioning. According to insiders, he conveyed his desire to step down during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week.
Jakhar’s distancing from the party has been apparent since July, although he attended the launch of the BJP’s membership campaign earlier this year. He has increasingly been absent from party meetings and engagements. For instance, a crucial meeting on Thursday to discuss strategies for the upcoming Panchayat elections saw his conspicuous absence. When senior party leaders contacted him to inquire, Jakhar reportedly stated that he would not attend the meeting or any other future gatherings.
Internal Disagreements and Previous Resignation Offers
The tension between Jakhar and the BJP leadership isn’t new. After the Jalandhar by-elections, Jakhar had informed Prime Minister Modi and BJP President JP Nadda that he no longer wished to continue as state president. His approach to certain party strategies has often been at odds with the BJP’s central leadership. During the Lok Sabha elections, Jakhar advocated for an alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which ultimately did not materialize.
This dissonance, coupled with the growing discomfort among long-standing BJP members, who feel that the leadership roles have been given to outsiders like Jakhar, has made his position increasingly precarious. He has consistently voiced his concerns that he isn’t able to work according to his vision for the party in Punjab.
Impact on BJP’s Strategy in Punjab
Jakhar’s possible resignation comes at a critical time for the BJP as Panchayat elections in Punjab are scheduled to be held on October 15, with nominations being filed from September 27 to October 4. The party has been struggling to make a stronghold in the state, having failed to secure a single seat in the recent Lok Sabha elections. Despite this, the BJP’s vote share increased, positioning it as the third-largest party in the state, following the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress, with a vote share of over 18%.
Close aides of Jakhar revealed that he had already offered to resign following the Lok Sabha election debacle, but the party high command declined his offer back then.
A Turbulent Political Career
Sunil Jakhar joined the BJP on May 19, 2022, just days after resigning from the Congress party. His entry into BJP was facilitated by BJP President JP Nadda in Delhi. Before joining the BJP, Jakhar had a long political career with the Congress. He was considered a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s post when Captain Amarinder Singh was removed from the position in 2021. However, Jakhar alleged that his nomination was blocked by senior Congress leader Ambika Soni on the grounds that Punjab, being a Sikh-majority state, should have a Sikh Chief Minister. Subsequently, Charanjit Singh Channi was appointed as the Chief Minister, which led to a rift between Jakhar and the Congress, ultimately resulting in his resignation from the party.
The Road Ahead for BJP
If Jakhar’s resignation is confirmed, it could have significant repercussions on the BJP’s strategy and organizational structure in Punjab. With Panchayat elections just around the corner and the Haryana Assembly elections underway, the timing of Jakhar’s decision couldn’t have been worse for the party. His resignation could be interpreted as a sign of internal discord, raising questions about BJP’s ability to maintain unity and discipline within its ranks, especially in states where it has struggled to gain a strong foothold.
Jakhar’s resignation might also reignite the debate within the party regarding the role and influence of outsiders, like Jakhar, who have joined the BJP from other political backgrounds. As the BJP gears up for the Panchayat and subsequent Assembly elections, managing the fallout from Jakhar’s resignation and addressing the concerns of its core members will be crucial for the party’s prospects in Punjab.
