Internal rift deepens in Punjab BJP over new district President appointments
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 8, 2026: Discontent appears to be growing within the Punjab unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the recent appointment of new district presidents, with senior and long-time party leaders and workers reportedly raising objections to the organisational changes.
The controversy has intensified in several parts of the state, with party insiders questioning the process through which the new district-level appointments were made. The disagreement has now spilled into the public domain, highlighting growing differences within the state unit.
Resignations reported in Faridkot
In Faridkot, 10 party office-bearers, including a Mandal president, have reportedly resigned in protest. According to party sources, the resignations are linked to the replacement of a district president who had been appointed only a few days earlier.
Similar discontent over organisational changes has reportedly emerged in Sangrur, Hoshiarpur, Patiala and other parts of Punjab.
According to sources, a section of senior BJP leaders and workers has expressed particular dissatisfaction with party general secretary Rama Srinivasan. The leaders have alleged that senior local leaders and long-time workers were not adequately consulted before changes were made in the district-level organisation.
Some party functionaries have claimed that district presidents were replaced without prior consultation or information. They have also alleged that workers who have been associated with the party for decades are being sidelined while newer or preferred faces are being given important organisational responsibilities.
Central leadership reportedly steps in
Amid the reported discontent, the BJP's central leadership is understood to have taken note of the situation. A high-level meeting has reportedly been convened in Delhi to discuss the issue.
Punjab BJP president Kewal Dhillon has reportedly been called to Delhi for the meeting. Rama Srinivasan is also expected to participate. Sources said the meeting is likely to focus on resolving the dispute over the recent appointments and addressing concerns raised by dissatisfied leaders and workers.
Kewal Dhillon not targeted by dissenting leaders
Interestingly, the reported dissent has not been directed at Punjab BJP president Kewal Dhillon. According to party sources, the dissatisfied leaders and long-time workers have largely maintained that their concerns relate to the functioning and decision-making process attributed to general secretary Rama Srinivasan.
Some senior leaders have reportedly warned that if the central leadership does not intervene in time and review the decisions that have triggered the controversy, dissatisfaction among the party cadre could deepen.
With the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections approaching, the developments have assumed political significance. The outcome of the reported Delhi meeting and the steps taken by the BJP's central leadership will determine whether the differences within the Punjab unit can be resolved.