Kailash Nath, Chandigarh – Will Sunil Jakhar continue to fulfill his responsibilities as the Punjab BJP president? The party currently has no answer to this question.
After two months of silence, Jakhar has now clarified that, similar to how he resigned from Congress in 2019 after the failure of the ‘Mission-13’, he has proposed to the BJP to bring in a new president following the party’s inability to win any seats in Punjab in the 2024 elections. Jakhar stated that he had suggested the party should elect a new leader, just as he had done in Congress when he was unable to achieve the party’s goals.
Sunil Jakhar May Still Continue as BJP President
However, in the last three to four days, Jakhar has been visibly active, signaling that he may continue as the president of the Punjab BJP. It is important to note that Jakhar had become upset with the party after his name was not considered for key positions, such as resolving farmers’ issues or being nominated for a Rajya Sabha seat.
Following this, in September, Jakhar had proposed that the party relieve him from his position, leading to speculation that he had resigned.
Sunil Jakhar Welcomed PM Modi at Haryana Oath Ceremony
Despite this, Jakhar was seen welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport during the oath-taking ceremony of Haryana Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, on October 17. Modi also gave Jakhar significant attention. Subsequently, Jakhar’s responsibilities included welcoming NDA chief ministers and central ministers at an NDA meeting.
This led to speculation that Jakhar might be returning to active party duties, especially since the Panchayat elections were taking place at the time, but Jakhar did not participate in them. After remaining silent for so long, Jakhar has now confirmed that he did propose the idea of a new leader and has shown signs of renewed involvement in the party.
Jakhar’s 2019 Resignation from Congress
Jakhar had also resigned from his position as Congress president in 2019, but for nearly two months, this was kept under wraps. It was only after Sonia Gandhi rejected his resignation that it became clear he had offered to step down.
Importantly, Jakhar never aspired to the position of state president after joining the BJP. His appointment to the role came directly from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Jakhar is also known to have a good rapport with Prime Minister Modi. Jakhar’s recent activity suggests that the events of 2019, when he resigned from Congress, might repeat themselves in 2024 in the context of his role in the BJP.
The Road Ahead
The future of Sunil Jakhar’s role in the Punjab BJP seems uncertain, but his recent statements and activities indicate that he could continue leading the party, despite earlier claims of resignation. It will ultimately depend on the BJP high command’s decision on the matter.
