Amidst the uncertainty regarding the possible resignation of Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar, party sources have revealed that he has indeed offered to step down, but the official paperwork has yet to be submitted. Meanwhile, BJP General Secretary Anil Sareen told Aaj Tak, "Sunil Jakhar has not resigned, although there are rumors that he has. He is still with us, and we are working together."
Sources within BJP indicate that Jakhar has offered to resign twice. Once after the Jalandhar by-election in July and again recently.
Why Doesn't Jakhar Want to Remain BJP President?
Sunil Jakhar's decision to step down as Punjab BJP chief is complex. His discontent with both the party high command and the two rival factions within the Punjab unit has created a complicated and intense political situation.
According to reports, an important meeting held in Chandigarh on Thursday concluded without party president Jakhar. Allegedly, a displeased Sunil Jakhar has refused to participate in any future meetings. However, party General Secretary Ashok Sareen refuted this claim and clarified that the party president doesn't need to attend all office meetings.
Party sources state that Jakhar is also unhappy with the working style of some organizational ministers, who are allegedly trying to undermine the authority of a state president.
A political analyst based in Chandigarh said, "Jakhar has been silent for quite some time and was not confident even before the Lok Sabha elections. BJP's image in Punjab is not farmer-friendly. He tried to stop the Akali Dal. He was unhappy as he was not given a free hand."
Is Not Wearing a Turban a Weakness for Sunil Jakhar in Punjab?
Experts believe that even though Sunil Jakhar is both a Hindu and a Jat leader, not wearing a turban has cost him in Punjab's politics. He was forced to leave Congress, which did not choose him for the chief minister's position because he is not a Sikh. Senior Congress leader Ambika Soni openly stated that Jakhar could not become the Punjab Chief Minister because he is not a Sikh. Interestingly, the party overlooked his seniority and chose his juniors for the top position.
Although the BJP made him the state party president, he was not selected for the central cabinet, as was the case with Ravneet Singh Bittu, who had lost the election. This made it clear where BJP's priorities lie. Interestingly, BJP has inducted more Sikh Congress leaders into its state unit than Hindus. It was once said that the BJP unit in Punjab was the B-team of Congress.
BJP has overlooked the contributions made by Sunil Jakhar in a short span. Although the party did not win any seats in the Lok Sabha elections, its vote share rose from 9% in 2019 to 18% in 2024.
Sunil Jakhar's offer to resign from the party president's post has left the state unit in confusion, especially with the panchayat elections scheduled for October 15. Jakhar joined BJP on May 19, 2022. Both Jakhar and Captain Amarinder were elected as members of BJP's National Executive in December 2022. Jakhar was promoted to state party chief in July 2023.
