India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has named Ashwani Kumar Sharma, a sitting MLA, as the working president of its Punjab unit. The appointment, announced on 7 July by BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda, takes effect immediately. Sharma is expected to oversee the party’s organisational affairs in Punjab, a state where the BJP is seeking to expand its presence ahead of future elections. Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu and other senior party figures publicly welcomed the decision, citing Sharma’s legislative experience and long-standing association with the party.