Eye on polls, Punjab BJP chief Dhillon appoints his core team

Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon appointed five general secretaries, 12 vice-presidents and 12 secretaries on August 3, 2026.

The appointments aim to balance caste equations and expand Sikh representation ahead of Punjab assembly elections due early next year.

The BJP split with the Shiromani Akali Dal in September 2020 over farm laws and has been working to broaden its support beyond urban voters.

Key general secretaries include retained Anil Sarin and Parminder Singh Brar, with new appointees Rajesh Bagha, Rajnish Dhiman and Jiwan Garg.

The BJP suffered a poor solo performance in the 2022 Punjab elections, winning only two seats and a 6.6% vote share.