Ashwini Sharma is new Punjab BJP chief

His name was finalised after a meeting of party leaders here in the presence of BJP central leader Balbir Punj.

Sharma, earlier the state party unit's general secretary, replaces Rajinder Bhandari.

After his election, Sharma said his priority would be to strengthen the party at all levels in the state.

The BJP is an alliance partner of the Akali Dal in the Punjab government.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal met Sharma after his election.

Both leaders reiterated that the Akali Dal-BJP combine had a strong political bond in the state.