Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Oct 2: The Congress on Friday appointed former Olympian and Jalandhar Cantonment MLA Pargat Singh as the new president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC), replacing Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. The appointment comes ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

The party said in a statement that Pargat Singh’s appointment would take effect immediately. It also said the existing working presidents and chairpersons and co-chairpersons of various election-related committees in Punjab would continue in their respective roles.

Pargat Singh, a former Indian hockey captain who later entered politics, has served as an MLA from Jalandhar Cantonment. He has also served as a minister in the Punjab government.

The appointment follows Warring’s resignation as Punjab Congress chief. Warring had submitted his resignation to senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after the party’s leadership decided to replace him.

Warring congratulated Pargat Singh on his appointment and wished him success in his new role.

Earlier on Friday, Warring alleged that Congress general secretary in-charge of Punjab Sachin Pilot may have played a role in his removal, while acknowledging that he did not have concrete proof to support the claim. He said he would continue to serve the party.

The leadership change comes as the Congress prepares for the Punjab Assembly elections expected next year.