Kamal Sharma new Punjab BJP head

Kamal Sharma, aged 44, who has been Badal's political adviser since June last year, succeeds Ashwani Sharma, an MLA, who has completed his 3-year term.

Addressing a gathering of party leaders and workers soon after his election, he said "as a new president, my target is 2014 Parliamentary elections."

"I will work hard to ensure the win of BJP-SAD nominees in all 13 Parliamentary seats in the state," Kamal, who hails from Ferozepur, said.

He said the outgoing chief and his team had done a commendable job and their biggest achievement was re-election of the SAD-BJP government in Punjab.

Kamal, who also held the post of Punjab BJP general secretary, had joined the ABVP in 1985 and later served its national secretary.

BJP vice-president Shanta Kumar and general secretary J P Nadda were present at the meeting held to choose the new Punjab BJP head.