Chandigarh, June 7
In yet another sign of unease within the Punjab BJP after Kewal Singh Dhillon’s elevation as state president, Dr. Jagmohan Singh Raju — a retired IAS officer and one of the names earlier considered for the post — has stepped down as general secretary of the party’s state unit.
Dr. Raju announced his decision through a letter dated June 5, which he shared on social media on Sunday morning. Addressed to Sangathan Mantri Manthri Srinivasulu, the communication recalled his four years of service as vice president and general secretary, describing them as among the most rewarding phases of his political career.
Explaining the move, Dr. Raju said he wished to dedicate himself more fully to several public causes. He highlighted his ongoing involvement in initiatives such as securing “Holy City” status for Amritsar, extending educational support to Punjab’s youth, and championing the rights of underprivileged children under the Right to Education Act. He also pointed to issues of enduring importance — safeguarding constitutional protections for SCs and Sikhs, countering religious conversions, tackling the drug crisis, promoting Punjabi language and addressing legacy disputes over water and Chandigarh.
According to him, these matters demand sustained outreach, research, writing, legal action and mass contact programmes. Given the time and energy required, he felt it inappropriate to continue holding a key organisational role while pursuing these efforts. He therefore requested not to be assigned any major party responsibilities for now.
Raju, who serves as a Visiting Fellow at Cambridge University’s Judge Business School and Visiting Professor in Public Administration at Panjab University, had been widely regarded as a serious contender for the state BJP presidency before the leadership settled on Dhillon.
His resignation comes soon after former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh publicly questioned Dhillon’s appointment, adding to the perception of disquiet among senior figures in the Punjab BJP as the party gears up for the 2027 Assembly elections.
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