Now Reading: BJP drafts Satish Poonia to quell dissent in Punjab unit
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BJP drafts Satish Poonia to quell dissent in Punjab unit
BJP high command has appointed party observer Satish Poonia to address growing factionalism in its Punjab unit ahead of state assembly elections. The move follows the replacement of six district presidents within…
The Story in Brief
BJP high command has appointed party observer Satish Poonia to address growing factionalism in its Punjab unit ahead of state assembly elections. The move follows the replacement of six district presidents within 12 days of their appointment, triggering public dissent from senior leaders like former minister Tikhan Sud. The central leadership summoned Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon and state organisation secretary Manthri Srinivasulu to Delhi on Saturday, where the decision was made after home minister Amit Shah’s intervention.
The dissent was worsened by the concentration of key organisational posts in Ludhiana and the surprise appointment of former Congressman Anuj Khosla as youth wing chief. Party leaders expressed concern that the factionalism could harm the BJP's prospects, especially after its poor show in the 2022 polls when it won only two seats. The meeting also comes amid speculation of a possible tie-up with SAD following Sukhbir Singh Badal’s meeting with Prime Minister Modi.
The Indian Opinion
The BJP’s internal squabbles in Punjab are not just a state affair but a mirror of its struggle to rebuild after the SAD split. The narrative of a disciplined party machine faces a reality check when district presidents are replaced within 12 days and senior leaders air grievances on social media. The real test will be whether Poonia’s report leads to a genuine reshuffle or just papers over cracks before the assembly polls.
Source: hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
