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BJP’s Punjab observer Poonia to meet disgruntled party leaders from Aug 20
Poonia, a Rajya Sabha member, is expected to meet senior leaders who have publicly criticised the functioning of the state leadership, particularly over allegations of unilateral decision-making, disregard for organisational norms and violations of internal party decorum
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has stepped up efforts to contain growing factionalism in its Punjab unit, with party observer for Punjab and state in-charge for Haryana Satish Poonia set to begin consultations with disgruntled leaders from August 20.
Poonia, a Rajya Sabha member, is expected to meet senior leaders who have publicly criticised the functioning of the state leadership, particularly over allegations of unilateral decision-making, disregard for organisational norms and violations of internal party decorum.
The intervention comes against the backdrop of an unprecedented crisis within the BJP’s Punjab unit. Several senior leaders have, for the first time, openly questioned the manner in which organisational decisions are being taken. The immediate trigger was the replacement of six district presidents within just 13 days of their appointment, as well as the composition of the new state team announced by Punjab BJP president Kewal Dhillon.
Dhillon had announced the new office-bearers on August 2, saying the changes were aimed at further strengthening the party’s organisational structure in Punjab. However, the appointments triggered strong resentment among sections of the party, with senior leaders publicly expressing their displeasure.
The dissent assumed an unusual dimension when some senior BJP leaders held press conferences to air their grievances. The public expression of differences prompted the party’s central leadership to intervene to prevent the dispute from escalating further.
On August 7, Dhillon and state general secretary (organisation) Manthari Srinivasulu were summoned by BJP national president Nitin Nabin for discussions amid the intensifying differences within the Punjab unit.
People familiar with developments said Poonia was also present at the meeting and was subsequently tasked with reaching out to the disgruntled leaders and assessing the situation on the ground. His intervention is being viewed as an interim arrangement until the BJP formally appoints a new party affairs in-charge for Punjab.
A senior BJP functionary said Poonia had been asked to engage with leaders belonging to different factions and convey their concerns to the central leadership, rather than allowing the internal differences to spill further into the public domain.
The consultations are expected to focus on the grievances surrounding organisational appointments, the decision-making process within the state unit and concerns raised by leaders about internal coordination and consultation.
The crisis comes at a crucial juncture for the BJP in Punjab when it is preparing to contest the 2027 assembly elections independently and is seeking to expand its organisational presence and electoral base across the state.
Against this backdrop, continued factionalism could pose a challenge to the BJP’s efforts to build a cohesive organisation ahead of the polls. The central leadership’s decision to involve Poonia indicates an attempt to address the grievances internally and restore coordination among competing groups.
Dhillon has also acknowledged Poonia’s forthcoming involvement. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, he said Poonia would soon visit Punjab.
“He was guiding us previously as well and in future too, we will continue to take guidance from him,” Dhillon said.
