Capt Amarinder denies role in Kewal Dhillon’s appointment as Punjab BJP President
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 28, 2026 — Former Punjab Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Capt Amarinder Singh on Thursday clarified that he had no involvement in the appointment of Kewal Singh Dhillon as the new president of the Punjab BJP.
Speaking to The Tribune, Capt Amarinder dismissed speculation that he had recommended Dhillon’s name to the party leadership. He said the decision was entirely taken by the BJP high command and should not be linked to him.
“I did not recommend him to anyone. If I have to recommend someone, it would be a person capable of strengthening and taking the party forward. This is not about regional considerations like Malwa, Majha or Doaba. Since joining the BJP, my focus has been on working for the party’s growth,” Amarinder said.
Rejecting reports describing Dhillon as his close associate, the former Chief Minister stated that the two had not been in touch since his resignation from the Chief Minister’s post in September 2021.
“He has not met me since I stepped down as Chief Minister. He has been functioning independently,” Amarinder added.
Earlier in the day, the BJP appointed Kewal Singh Dhillon, a former Congress MLA from Barnala, as the new Punjab BJP president, replacing Sunil Jakhar. Dhillon had joined the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections after leaving the Congress.