New Delhi, Oct 15: Congress general secretary Sachin Pilot has praised former Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, describing him as a “fighter” who will continue to play a crucial role in the party’s campaign for the Punjab Assembly elections scheduled for early next year.
In an interview with a news agency, Pilot described Warring as an energetic, hardworking young leader who helped strengthen the Congress organisation during a challenging period when the party had only 15–16 MLAs in Punjab.
Pilot acknowledged Warring’s contribution over more than four years as state Congress president, saying he had worked hard to rebuild the organisation and encourage young people to join the party. However, he maintained that leadership changes are sometimes necessary to move the organisation forward.
Warring stepped down as Punjab Congress president on October 2 following a decision by the party’s high command. Former Indian hockey captain and three-time MLA Pargat Singh subsequently took over the position.
The leadership change came shortly after Pilot was appointed the Congress general secretary in charge of Punjab. Warring had earlier suggested that Pilot wanted him replaced, although he said he had voluntarily relinquished his position.
Speaking about the change, Pilot said Warring had made significant contributions to the party and would remain an important part of its electoral campaign.
“He’s a fighter,” Pilot said, adding that changes in state leadership were part of the party’s organisational decisions. He cited similar changes in Uttar Pradesh, which is also scheduled to hold Assembly elections in February.
Pilot rejected suggestions that Warring had been removed because he was no longer considered an effective leader. He said the outgoing president had encouraged young people to come forward and challenge the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The Congress leader also praised Pargat Singh, highlighting his background as a former captain of the Indian hockey team and his experience as a three-term MLA from Jalandhar Cantt.
According to Pilot, Pargat Singh could inspire young people to focus on sports, fitness and healthy lifestyles rather than becoming involved in drugs and mob violence.
Meanwhile, Warring has publicly pledged his support to the new state Congress president. At a recent party event, he said he would continue to uphold the Congress flag and work towards Rahul Gandhi’s vision, despite facing opposition within the party.
The leadership transition comes amid internal tensions within the Punjab Congress ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, where the party faces a major challenge from the ruling AAP.
Pilot said he did not consider the BJP a serious threat in Punjab and indicated that the Shiromani Akali Dal would be a comparatively smaller electoral rival than AAP.
With the elections approaching, the Congress leadership is seeking to strengthen its organisation and present a united front in its bid to return to power in Punjab.
