New Punjab Congress chief Pargat Singh: ‘We have no wajood or aukaat outside Punjab and Congress’

Pargat Singh, a three-time Jalandhar Cantonment MLA and former India hockey captain, has been named as the new president of the Punjab Congress. In an interview with The Indian Express, the 62-year-old discussed several topics, including the internal politics of the party, his plans for the upcoming Assembly polls, and the importance of unity within the Congress.

Singh addressed the rift between former Chief Minister Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and Charanjit Singh Channi, stating that while differences of opinion exist in democracies, there is no place for dictatorship. He emphasized that the party is united under a single target: winning the Assembly polls.

When asked about his role as Pargat Singh, he clarified his approach by likening himself to a "full-back" in a team sport. He explained that every member of the Congress has a role to play, and he plans to identify and utilize the strengths of all individuals working together. Singh stated that the goal is to ensure victory for the party, keeping that as the primary focus.

On the question of who would lead the Congress in the Assembly polls, Singh mentioned that the decision lies with the legislators. He reiterated that all candidates would be chosen based on merit, surveys, winnability, and character, without any other considerations. The priority remains building a strong organization and securing a majority in the 117 seats.

Singh discussed the Congress's platform for the polls, centered around reviving "brand Punjab." This includes addressing law-and-order situations, drug issues, the state's mounting debt, farming, women's safety, and other concerns unique to the region. He pointed out that the BJP, Shiromani Akali Dal, and Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) also have their own agendas, and his focus is solely on the Congress's narrative.

Lastly, Singh expressed his views on the Waris Punjab De party, emphasizing that it is just another political party in the state, with no special status. He wished them good luck and reiterated that the Congress's goal is to secure victory in the polls.