The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to appoint a Sikh leader as the new president of its Punjab unit, as the party prepares for the 2027 Assembly elections and seeks to strengthen its position in a state where it has historically struggled to expand its electoral base.

According to party sources, the three-year tenure of incumbent Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar is set to end in July, triggering discussions within the organisation over his successor. The leadership is reportedly inclined towards choosing a Sikh face to head the state unit, in an effort to align more closely with Punjab’s demographic and political realities.

Among the names being considered for the post are Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, former Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal, senior leader Manjit Singh Rai, and Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Sandhu. Other figures in contention include Jagmohan Singh Raju, Kewal Dhillon, Rana Gurmeet Sodhi, and Fateh Jung Singh Bajwa. Senior BJP leader Tarun Chugh is also believed to be under consideration, according to sources familiar with internal deliberations.

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The push for a Sikh leader is being viewed within the party as a strategic move aimed at countering the perception of the BJP as an “outsider” force in Punjab politics. Leaders involved in discussions said the party is aware that Sikh voters form the dominant demographic in the state and that regional political success has historically been linked to Sikh leadership representation.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini is also said to be advocating for a Sikh leader to take charge of the Punjab unit, with an eye on strengthening the party’s organisational structure ahead of the 2027 polls. The BJP’s recent electoral performance in other states has further encouraged the leadership to focus on expanding its footprint in Punjab.

As internal consultations continue, the party is expected to finalise a new state president in the coming months, with the selection seen as a key step in shaping its electoral strategy and outreach efforts in one of India’s most politically significant border states.

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