Pargat Singh Takes Charge as Punjab Congress Chief, Calls for Clean Politics

Chandigarh October 11: Three-time MLA and former Indian hockey captain Pargat Singh on Sunday formally assumed charge as Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president at Congress Bhawan in Sector 15, Chandigarh, with senior leaders projecting unity ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The ceremony took place amid heavy rain on the first day of Navratri. Pargat Singh said Punjab’s issues and the aspirations of ordinary people would be his priorities. “I want to announce that I will do clean politics and not indulge in vendetta politics,” he said. Targeting the AAP government, he alleged that it had harmed the state and turned the bureaucracy into a political tool. Sachin Pilot, AICC Punjab affairs in-charge, described Pargat as an experienced captain capable of leading the party. “People say that Congress has got a good Captain in Punjab. I would say that the Captain has also got a good team,” he said. Pilot praised outgoing chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring for his four-and-a-half-year tenure and said the Congress would work to win the 2027 elections under Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. Charanjit Singh Channi, former Chief Minister, congratulated Pargat and called for a united struggle for Punjab, Punjabiyat, farmers, labourers and shopkeepers against those he accused of looting the state. Partap Singh Bajwa, Leader of the Opposition, said Punjab was waiting for a government that would protect lives, businesses and families. He expressed confidence that the Congress could rebuild the state. The ceremony also witnessed political drama as Warring arrived with supporters after a show of strength in Sector 10. Taking a swipe at Pilot, he said he would continue strengthening the party even if denied a ticket.