As Punjab braces for bye-elections in key constituencies, the Punjab unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is intensifying its campaign efforts across Gidderbaha, Barnala, Chabbewal, and Dera Baba Nanak assembly constituencies. The BJP, aiming to make significant inroads in these assembly constituencies, has formed dedicated teams of in-charges, co-in-charges, and mandal coordinators to boost grassroots-level operations. The intensive mobilization comes at a time when the state unit is navigating internal uncertainty, as state president Sunil Jakhar has reportedly offered to step down, casting a shadow over the party’s leadership ahead of the polls.
Despite the leadership flux, BJP’s state secretary Sunil Bhardwaj on Friday announced that seasoned leaders will lead the campaign efforts. Former MP Avinash Rai Khanna, former Minister Manoranjan Kalia, former state president Shwait Malik and Pathankot MLA Ashwani Sharma have been appointed as in-charges of Gidderbaha, Barnala, Chabbewal, and Dera Baba Nanak respectively, with their teams carefully structured to ensure efficient coordination across the four constituencies.
At the heart of the BJP’s efforts is strengthening its organizational framework. In all 18 mandals of these four constituencies, the party has appointed coordinators and co-coordinators, a strategy aimed at ensuring seamless communication between the leadership and grassroots workers. These teams will focus on mobilizing voters, addressing local concerns, and creating a compelling narrative to counter the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress.
Former Minister Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi, former MLA Harjot Singh Kamal, former MLA Saroop Chand Singla, and Inder Iqbal Singh Atwal will manage Gidderbaha’s key mandals. In Barnala, Jagdeep Singh Nakai and Mangat Rai Bansal will oversee operations, while Shwait Malik’s team in Chabbewal includes experienced coordinators such as KD Bhandari and Jangi Lal Mahajan. In Dera Baba Nanak, Ashwani Sharma’s efforts will be bolstered by leaders like Ashwani Sekri and Fatehjung Bajwa.
The upcoming byelections are pivotal for the BJP as it seeks to gain a foothold in a state where it has historically struggled to secure significant electoral success. These byelections — triggered by the resignation of sitting MLAs, representing the AAP and Congress, who won the 2024 parliamentary elections — represent a key opportunity for the BJP to expand its influence in Punjab, especially following its split with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
These seats, which span key agricultural and border regions, are seen as politically sensitive. Gidderbaha and Dera Baba Nanak, in particular, have been focal points for debates on cross-border smuggling and drug trafficking, making these bypolls critical not only for electoral gains but also for shaping future policies in the region.
The BJP’s strategy revolves around engaging local communities and addressing region-specific concerns, particularly the pressing issues of drug abuse, unemployment, and farmer welfare. These issues are likely to dominate the campaign narrative as the party seeks to counter the ruling AAP and the Congress in these constituencies. The BJP hopes to capitalize on the ongoing discontent with the State Government’s handling of agricultural policies and the drug crisis, which has deeply affected Punjab’s border districts.
However, as the BJP gears up for these crucial byelections, it faces a significant internal challenge with Jakhar reportedly distancing himself from the party’s activities. Jakhar, a former Congress stalwart, was instrumental in bringing the BJP a broader base after the fallout of the farmers' protests. Yet, his strained relationship with the central leadership has led to speculation about his future in the party. Jakhar has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over being sidelined in important decisions related to Punjab, and sources suggest he may step down from his post soon.
Jakhar’s absence from party meetings has raised eyebrows, particularly as the BJP prepares for these high-stakes byelections. His potential departure could weaken the party’s already fragile standing in the State, where it is struggling to establish a stronghold against AAP’s rising influence. Reports indicate that Jakhar has voiced his frustration to the central leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, about the lack of attention given to Punjab’s critical border issues. The central BJP, however, has yet to make any formal announcements regarding Jakhar’s role or his potential replacement.
