New Delhi : In a recent turn of events, Punjab’s political landscape is witnessing a noticeable shift with several key figures making their way from the Congress camp to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The latest entrant into the BJP fold is Ravneet Singh Bittu, a three-time Congress MP and a trusted confidant of Rahul Gandhi. Bittu’s decision to switch sides highlights a broader trend of political realignment in the state.
The exodus from the Congress began following the departure of veteran leader Captain Amarinder Singh in September 2021. Amarinder, a towering figure in Punjab politics, formed the Punjab Lok Congress and joined hands with the BJP for the 2022 Assembly elections. However, despite their alliance, electoral success eluded them, leading to Amarinder merging his outfit with the BJP, along with his daughter Jai Inder Kaur.
Amarinder’s transition to the BJP has seen him assume a position in the party’s National Executive, while Jai Inder has taken on the role of the party’s Mahila Morcha president and a member of the state campaign committee. The influx of leaders from diverse political backgrounds, including the Congress, AAP, and SAD, reflects a dynamic reshaping of Punjab’s political landscape.
Sunil Jakhar, former state president of the Congress, also made a significant move to the BJP, where he now leads as the Punjab BJP chief. Jakhar’s departure from the Congress was marked by criticisms of the party’s internal functioning, particularly following Amarinder’s resignation as Chief Minister.
Under Jakhar’s leadership, the BJP has formed a state executive committee comprising several former Congress members, showcasing the party’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Jakhar has been vocal in praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives in Punjab, emphasizing the need to bolster the BJP’s presence in the state.
The BJP’s expanding footprint in Punjab is further underscored by the inclusion of former Congress MLA Fateh Jang Bajwa and others into its ranks. With the addition of prominent figures like Harjot Kamal Singh and a significant number of former Congress leaders in its core committee, the BJP is poised to strengthen its position in Punjab.
Moreover, the BJP’s welcoming of former SAD leaders into its fold signals a broader realignment of political forces in the state. As alliances shift and loyalties realign, the BJP emerges as a prominent player in Punjab’s ever-evolving political arena, setting the stage for an intriguing political landscape in the times ahead.
