Chandigarh: The absence of several prominent political figures from a recent BJP event in Punjab, where the party’s new state president formally assumed office, has sparked political speculation and debate within state political circles.
Former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh was among the notable leaders who did not attend the programme. His absence attracted attention, particularly after he publicly questioned the appointment of Kewal Singh Dhillon as Punjab BJP president and claimed that he had not been consulted before the decision was made.
The issue gained further traction as political observers linked his remarks to reports of possible dissatisfaction within sections of the party. Discussions intensified after Amarinder Singh openly expressed doubts about whether Dhillon would be able to meet the expectations associated with the role.
However, BJP leaders have rejected suggestions that the former chief minister could leave the party. Senior BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliyeawal dismissed reports of Amarinder Singh’s possible return to the Congress, describing them as unfounded speculation.
“These are only rumours. He remains with the BJP and is not going anywhere,” Baliyeawal said.
Amarinder Singh, an 84-year-old two-time chief minister of Punjab, joined the BJP in 2022 after ending his long association with the Congress. Like Amarinder Singh, Kewal Singh Dhillon also spent several years in the Congress before switching to the BJP.
Speaking recently about Dhillon’s appointment, Amarinder Singh said he was not convinced that the new state chief was in a position to fulfil the party’s expectations ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
Despite the controversy, Amarinder Singh’s family has publicly backed the new leadership. His wife, former MP Preneet Kaur, and daughter Jai Inder Kaur attended the BJP programme and extended their support to Dhillon.
The development comes at a crucial time for the BJP as it seeks to strengthen its organisation and expand its political base in Punjab ahead of the next Assembly elections.
