Ex-Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal's Cousin, Major Bhupinder Singh Dhillon Joins BJP

Major Bhupinder Singh Dhillon Joins BJP

Major Bhupinder Singh Dhillon (Retd.), cousin of late former Punjab Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) patriarch Parkash Singh Badal, formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in Chandigarh on Monday. The induction took place in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon. 

The development is significant in the context of Punjab politics as the BJP continues efforts to expand its political base in the state ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.

Dhillon's Long Association With Parkash Singh Badal

Major Bhupinder Singh Dhillon has a long association with the Badal family. According to reports, he served as Parkash Singh Badal's political secretary for around 25 years and had considerable influence in the Lambi Assembly constituency when Badal represented the seat.

Dhillon, popularly known as Major Bhup, was also a state minister during the SAD-BJP government between 1997 and 2002. His political background and connection with the former chief minister give his entry into the BJP added significance.

His Son Amarveer Singh Bawa Also Joins BJP

Dhillon's son, Amarveer Singh Bawa, also joined the BJP during the induction ceremony. Amarveer is the president of the Sanaur Municipal Council in Patiala, giving the BJP an additional local-level political connection.

The entry of both father and son is being viewed as part of the BJP's broader effort to attract leaders and political networks associated with Punjab's traditional SAD base.

BJP Seeks to Build Stronger Presence in Punjab

The BJP has been working to establish a stronger independent political presence in Punjab, where the SAD has historically been an important political force. Bringing in members connected to the Badal family could help the party strengthen its reach among sections of voters familiar with the Akali leadership's political network.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini welcomed the induction and said the new entrants would contribute to the BJP's efforts to strengthen Punjab and improve its economic and infrastructure development.

Lambi Stronghold Adds to Political Significance

The development assumes particular importance because of Lambi, the traditional political stronghold of Parkash Singh Badal. Dhillon's long association with the former chief minister and his influence in the area could make his BJP entry politically relevant ahead of the next Assembly election.

Some reports have also indicated speculation that the BJP could consider Dhillon for an electoral role in Lambi, although this has not been formally confirmed by the party.

BJP and the Badal Political Legacy

Dhillon's induction gives the BJP a direct connection to the political legacy of Parkash Singh Badal, one of Punjab's most prominent regional leaders. The move comes at a time when the BJP is seeking to expand beyond its traditional support base and establish itself as a major political force in the state.

Former Punjab finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal, who was Parkash Singh Badal's nephew and Sukhbir Singh Badal's cousin, had already joined the BJP in January 2023. Dhillon's entry therefore adds another prominent Badal-family connection to the BJP's Punjab organisation.

Significance Ahead of 2027 Punjab Assembly Elections

The BJP's latest induction comes ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, making it an important organisational development. The party is attempting to broaden its appeal and build a political structure capable of competing more strongly in the state.

The induction of leaders with established links to the SAD's political ecosystem could help the BJP target voters and areas where the Akali Dal has traditionally held influence. However, the eventual electoral impact will depend on how effectively the party converts these political connections into grassroots support.

Conclusion

Major Bhupinder Singh Dhillon's decision to join the BJP marks a significant development in Punjab politics. His close association with Parkash Singh Badal, decades of political experience and influence in the former chief minister's traditional stronghold make his entry particularly notable.

With his son Amarveer Singh Bawa also joining the BJP, the party has gained another political connection to the Badal family's legacy. The move highlights the BJP's strategy of strengthening its organisation in Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.