Satish Poonia to lead Punjab BJP ahead of elections
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to appoint senior Rajasthan leader Satish Poonia as the in-charge of party affairs in election-bound Punjab. Poonia, aged 64, currently serves as the BJP’s in-charge for Haryana, a position he has held since July 2024. He is widely regarded as a key strategist behind the party’s hat-trick victory in the Haryana Assembly elections in 2024.
Poonia’s political background and recent Rajya Sabha election
Satish Poonia is a former BJP Rajasthan president and former Leader of the Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly. He was also elected to the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan earlier this month. His experience in state politics and organisational roles makes him a suitable candidate for the challenging Punjab assignment.
Informal meetings and expected travel to Punjab
According to sources, the BJP’s top leadership has sounded out Poonia to take charge of Punjab and initiate an organisational revamp in the state. He has already begun informal meetings with senior Punjab BJP leaders and is expected to travel to the state soon. Last week, Poonia reportedly met BJP president Nitin Nabin and national general secretary (organisation) BL Santosh, who tasked him with the new responsibility of Punjab, where the party is planning a major organisational overhaul and electoral outreach.
Formal announcement awaited
A formal announcement of Poonia’s appointment is expected once Nitin Nabin finalises his new team. Sources added that the Punjab BJP unit is undergoing a major reset, with district presidents to be appointed first, followed by state organisation ministers and vice-presidents.
Background: Vacancy since June 2025
The BJP state unit has been functioning without an in-charge since June 12, 2025, when then incumbent Vijay Rupani, former Gujarat Chief Minister, died in the AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad. Poonia’s appointment fills a critical gap in the party’s leadership structure in Punjab.
