Punjab Congress chief Pargat Singh pitches ‘team spirit’ to faction-ridden unit

Ahead of the Assembly election in Punjab, newly appointed Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Pargat Singh stressed the importance of team spirit and unity amid deep factionalism within the party. Replacing Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Singh repeatedly used sports metaphors to convey his approach to the role. "I have been a team player," he told reporters, emphasizing his experience as a full-back in hockey, a position focused on supporting the team from behind.

Singh aimed to unite the party's competing factions and senior leaders by shifting the focus from internal differences to the larger political context in Punjab. He described the upcoming election as "Rahul Gandhi's team" and called on senior leaders to take priority within the team. Singh emphasized the Congress's commitment to "constructive politics" and reviving democracy.

His emphasis on cohesion comes at a challenging time for the Punjab Congress, which has been marked by internal differences as the party prepares for the polls. Pilot, the All India Congress Committee general secretary in-charge of Punjab, praised Singh's experience as a national hockey captain, saying it would help the party despite the tight timeline.

Pilot also highlighted Singh's inclusivity and the Congress's willingness to welcome those who had left the party. Former Union Minister Ashwani Kumar described Singh's appointment as a generational shift in State leadership, urging him to use his goodwill, promote civility, and present an imaginative agenda for Punjab's renewal.