Underlining that world's largest party BJP was a strong political force in Punjab on its own, the Former Member Parliament (MP) Sunil Jakhar on Tuesday officially took over as President of State BJP with a call to party cadre to realise and draw on their true collective strengths and play a pivotal role in Punjab's future politics single-handedly.
In recent years, BJP on its own has grown immensely in Punjab and there is a palpable traction amongst Punjabis for several key initiatives taken by Modi government at Centre, Jakhar said while referring to an enhanced stature of party in overall political consciousness in Punjab.
With your support and commitment, I look forward to building on this strength, Jakhar further said underlining that his biggest responsibility is to ensure respect for each of his party cadre to strengthen the party base across state.
Referring to party's past political alliance, Jakhar in his first address to party cadre at State BJP office here earlier this afternoon said, "We have to move past the younger brother mindset because the responsibility on our shoulders is too big and we know we have the strength to play a decisive role on our own which people of Punjab want us to play by providing intellectual leadership."
"Back in 1996-97 when this alliance (BJP- SAD) was formalised, it was in line with commitment of leaders of both parties, and was by no means a sign of BJP's weakness or shortcoming. We even then were equal partners in Punjab's formidable future and BJP has always worked to create Punjab in line with vision for tomorrow, Jakhar remarked.
Expressing gratitude towards the top leadership for the honour of leading state unit, the new State President in presence of Punjab BJP incharge & former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Union Minister Som Parkash said he would always remain indebted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, Party President J P Nadda ji, and country's Home Minister Amit Shah ji for their trust in him.
I will do my best to repay this confidence in me by fighting for Punjab's rights at every stage and forum, Jakhar further said urging party cadre to work vigorously and take Prime Minister's message for a resilient Punjab to state's nook and corner.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has undertaken several key decisions for Punjab's progress and we must take the essence of these futuristic measures to every house and strengthen BJP to lead our state towards an unparalleled growth trajectory, the Senior Punjab leader added.
Notably, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah ji were the first one to call Punjab Chief Minister and offer all help in wake of floods lashing Punjab, Jakhar remarked. Thanking the state BJP leadership including the outgoing president Ashwani Sharma for resilient leadership and direction, Jakhar lauded him for leading and strengthening the party with his able qualities during tough times and being a voice for Punjab all along.
Listing out his immediate challenges, Jakhar said Punjab today is at crossroads and needs political will and direction to restore its pristine glory. Our state once was known for heralding revolutions and because of present state regime's ill decisions have lost its shine. There is an environment of fear all around, Jakhar said adding only people feeling safe are gangsters and criminals cocking a snook at administration from behind the bars.
Our path is full of challenges but these journey is rife with opportunities to ensure our Punjab regains its lost status of being a frontrunner in progress and prosperity. Punjab has always led the country and world with its hard work and ethos, and for our country to keep progressing Punjab's stability is the key, Jakhar added.
Earlier, state BJP incharge Vijay Rupani while congratulating Jakhar on taking over reins of Punjab BJP remarked that his vast experience and ability is key to safeguarding Punjab's future. He expressed confidence that BJP will keep raising Punjab's issues and concerns ever more strongly and would ensure state's progress is not halted at any cost.
BJP state in-charge and former Chief Minister of Gujarat Mr. Vijay Rupani, Union Minister Som Prakash, Co-in-charge Dr. Narendra Singh Raina, Organization General Secretary Shrimanthari Srinivasulu, National Executive Member Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi on stage during the taking over ceremony of BJP State President Sunil Jakhar. , Harjit Singh Grewal, former Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal, former Speaker and former Minister Manoranjan Kalia, , MLA Jangi Lal Mahajan, BJP State General Secretary Jeevan Gupta, Bikramjit Singh Cheema, Rajesh Bagha, Avinash Rai Khanna, Bibi Jaindra Kaur, Gurpreet Singh Kangar, Co-media incharge Hardev Singh Ubha, Anil Sareen, etc. were present.