Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak meets Amit Shah, speculations rife over key Punjab role
PTC News Desk: Punjab Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak, who recently joined the BJP, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday. The meeting has sparked speculation that Pathak could be given an important role in the BJP’s strategy for Punjab.
Pathak was recently appointed as one of the 16 national secretaries of the BJP during the party’s organisational reshuffle led by national president Nitin Nabin. He is the only former AAP leader among those who switched to the BJP to receive such a key organisational position.
“Had the privilege of meeting Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji yesterday. Grateful for his time, guidance and encouragement. Looking forward to contributing towards further strengthening the Party and advancing the vision of a Viksit Bharat,” Pathak said after meeting Shah.
The BJP is reportedly considering using Pathak’s knowledge of Punjab and his political experience ahead of the state elections. Pathak was the AAP’s Punjab in-charge during the 2022 Assembly elections and played an important role in building the party’s organisation and election strategy.
A former assistant professor at IIT Delhi, Pathak is known for using data analysis and detailed election planning. He is also familiar with many Punjab MLAs and was involved in selecting candidates for the 2022 elections.
The BJP may now use his experience to assess the political situation in Punjab, particularly the possible anti-incumbency against sitting AAP MLAs.
The party is also expected to rely on former AAP leaders who have joined the BJP to challenge the ruling party in the state. This could become important if AAP decides not to give tickets to several sitting MLAs in an effort to deal with anti-incumbency.
Pathak could help the BJP identify constituencies where AAP rebels may have an impact and assess which seats are most winnable for the party.
His role could also become important if the BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) move closer to a pre-poll alliance, as both parties are reportedly holding back-channel discussions about working together again.
- With inputs from agencies
