Bigwigs prefer Sharmas low profile

The BJPs choice of Ashwani Sharma as the next Punjab unit chief is a tactical victory for several state leaders,including many Cabinet ministers,who hope to continue their dominance in party politics given Sharmas low profile.

The BJPs choice of Ashwani Sharma as the next Punjab unit chief is a tactical victory for several state leaders,including many Cabinet ministers,who hope to continue their dominance in party politics given Sharmas low profile. The other contender for the coveted post,Kamal Sharma,who has been a part of power politics in the state,was left out of the race since many within the party perceived him as someone who may overrule others when it comes to big decisions.

Many top leaders,including Cabinet minister Manoranjan Kalia and MP Navjot Singh Sidhu saw merit in supporting Ashwani Sharma as party president,say sources. Sharma,who has risen from the party grassroots and is considered an organisation man,will have to bank upon well-entrenched state party leaders,who see this as an opportunity. His role as the state chief will be crucial given the waning ties with the SAD.

Sharma does not have a strong voter-base since he has never contested Assembly elections in the state. He is likely to be in command when two years from now,the state goes in for elections.

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Significantly,Sharma has been eyeing the Assembly seat from Pathankot. If party insiders are to be believed,his equation with Cabinet minister Master Mohan Lal,who contests from Pathankot,has not been all that cordial. Closer to elections,Master Mohan Lal could find himself out of favour when it comes to ticket allocation. However,sources say the last call on whether or not state presidents can contest Assembly elections is a matter that will be addressed only closer to polls.

The BJPs choice of Sharma could be a win-win situation for state leaders,but the decision also reflects the partys rebuff for those who attempted to pull strings to get the coveted post. Sharma,arguably,did not lobby for the post. But his support came from unexpected quarters.

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Bigwigs prefer Sharmas low profile

The BJPs choice of Ashwani Sharma as the next Punjab unit chief is a tactical victory for several state leaders,including many Cabinet ministers,who hope to continue their dominance in party politics given Sharmas low profile.

Bigwigs prefer Sharmas low profile

The BJPs choice of Ashwani Sharma as the next Punjab unit chief is a tactical victory for several state leaders,including many Cabinet ministers,who hope to continue their dominance in party politics given Sharmas low profile.