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Nishtha Anushree
Jul 05, 2023, 06:45 PM | Updated 06:45 PM IST
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❌ Conflicting Signals From Punjab BJP
Double trouble: BJP is trying hard to gain some ground in the state of Punjab and for this, the party is taking some conflicting steps.
The elevation of Sunil Jakhar as the BJP's Punjab president contradicts its rumored attempts to re-align with the Shiromani Akali Dal (B) (SAD-B).
If indeed the BJP has to re-align itself with the Akalis, why elevate Sunil Jakhar, who has been a long-standing opponent of Akali politics in Punjab?
Unless the BJP clearly states its intention to go solo and fight hard on the ground, such promotions of prominent political figures within the party seem pointless.
The recent appointment troubles: Sunil Jakhar's elevation has caused discontent within the BJP's established rank and file.
Arun Narang, a former MLA in Punjab, resigned from all party positions, expressing disappointment over Sunil Jakhar's appointment.
He said that the party failed to acknowledge the contributions of those who faced the brunt during the farm protests against three farm bills and instead handed over the leadership to a defector.
Also, Jakhar's promotion, despite being a dynast, contradicts the party's claim to fight against dynasty politics.
The BJP has been inducting a large number of former Congress members and Akalis from Shiromani Akali Dal (B) (SAD-B), and giving them positions in the party at the expense of the loyal longstanding members; this has naturally caused resentment in the party cadre.
The problems with the Akali alliance: The BJP should not forget its past experiences with the SAD-B, whether it was being hindered in urban centers or not even being considered for the position of deputy Chief Minister in the state.
The BJP leadership will undoubtedly struggle to justify this decision to its cadre, who felt liberated for the first time in decades.
Considering how the BSP became practically irrelevant in its alliance with the SAD-B, the BJP leadership needs to carefully consider its participation.
The past inclusion of prominent figures like Captain Amarinder Singh, who has always been against Akali politics, would also be questioned in such a scenario.
Bottomline: Rohit Pathania suggests the BJP to carefully evaluate whether Jakhar's elevation genuinely benefits the party and address its inconsistencies in Punjab.
Nishtha Anushree is Senior Sub-editor at Swarajya. She tweets at @nishthaanushree.