Punjab Congress projects unity as Pargat Singh takes over as state party chief

Pargat Singh formally took charge as the new chief of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee on Sunday, with party leaders putting on a show of unity ahead of upcoming assembly elections in the state.

The 61-year-old three-time MLA from Jalandhar Cantt and former Indian hockey team captain assumed his role at a ceremony at Punjab Congress Bhawan in Chandigarh. He replaces Ludhiana MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, who stepped down on 1 October following the party high command's decision to revamp the state leadership.

Addressing party workers alongside Congress general secretary in-charge of Punjab Sachin Pilot, Singh called for a collective effort to address the state's problems, stating that the party needed to focus on rebuilding the state's standing.

Show of strength and internal rivalries

Before the official takeover, Warring hosted a gathering of supporters and senior party figures at a rented residence in Sector 10, Chandigarh. Attendees included Brahm Mohindra, Rana K P Singh, Surinder Dawar, Anil Joshi, Simarjit Singh Bains, Hardyal Kamboj, and Malvika Sood, in what was widely regarded as a show of political strength.

During the official handover ceremony, Warring acknowledged the internal opposition he faced during his four-and-a-half-year tenure as state president. A section of party leaders, including former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi, had actively sought his removal.

Warring said he remained committed to the party regardless of internal decisions, stating that he views himself purely as a soldier for Rahul Gandhi. He remarked that Pilot might even deny him a ticket in the upcoming assembly elections, but maintained he would continue supporting the party and the new leadership.

Campaign focus on AAP and government critique

Pilot told reporters that voters in Punjab had lost faith in the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government and were seeking political change. He expressed confidence that the Congress would return to power with an absolute majority.

At the same event, Channi said the party would campaign heavily on local governance issues, accusing the state administration of failing to control narcotics, organised crime, and corruption.

Pilot also raised national issues, criticising the Election Commission of India over alleged voter roll deletions and arguing that millions of voters had been omitted across the country.