In a development that underscores ongoing internal tensions within the Punjab unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Dr Jagmohan Singh Raju, a retired IAS officer and former contender for the state party presidency, has resigned from his position as general secretary. The resignation comes shortly after Kewal Singh Dhillon was appointed as the state president.
Resignation Letter Highlights
In a letter dated June 5, addressed to Sangathan Mantri Manthri Srinivasulu, Raju stated that he had served the party as vice president and general secretary over the past four years, describing the period as one of the most enriching phases of his political journey. A copy of the letter was also marked to Dhillon.
Raju cited his commitment to several public causes as the reason for stepping back from organisational responsibilities. He listed issues including the holy city status for Amritsar, educational support for Punjab's youth, rights of poor children under the Right to Education Act, protection of constitutional rights of Scheduled Castes and Sikhs, religious conversion, the drug menace, the pre-eminence of the Punjabi language, and legacy issues of Punjab such as water and Chandigarh.
Reasons for Resignation
Raju wrote, 'These issues are of immense long-term importance to Punjab and the nation. Therefore, I propose to devote myself more extensively to these and related issues.' He added that he intends to undertake public outreach, research, writing, legal interventions, and mass contact programmes. Acknowledging that these initiatives would require considerable time, travel, and sustained engagement, Raju said it would not be fair to hold a major organisational post while simultaneously pursuing these commitments. He requested to be spared any major organisational responsibility that demands his full time.
Background and Context
Raju, a Visiting Fellow at Judge Business School, Cambridge University, and Visiting Professor at Panjab University's Department of Public Administration, was considered a strong candidate for the state BJP president's post before the high command settled on Dhillon. His resignation comes close on the heels of former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh publicly questioning the appointment, adding to the impression of visible restlessness within Punjab BJP's senior ranks ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Implications for Punjab BJP
This resignation signals continuing undercurrents within the Punjab BJP following Dhillon's appointment. The party now faces the challenge of addressing internal dissent and consolidating its ranks as it prepares for the upcoming electoral battle. Raju's departure may also impact the party's outreach on key state issues, given his expertise and public engagement on matters like Amritsar's holy city status and educational reforms.
The BJP is expected to announce a successor for Raju's position in due course. Meanwhile, political observers will be watching for further moves within the state unit as the party seeks to present a united front.
