Congress promises separate industrial policy for Punjab if voted to power
Synopsis
On Vishwakarma Day, Punjab Congress chief Pargat Singh and LoP Partap Singh Bajwa visited Phagwara's renowned Vishwakarma Temple and pledged a dedicated industrial policy for Punjab if the Congress returns to power — targeting SME growth, jobs, and the revival of traditional industries through modern technology.
Key Takeaways
Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Pargat Singh and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa visited the Shiromani Shri Vishwakarma Temple in Phagwara on 9 November .
Congress pledged to formulate a 'separate and comprehensive industrial policy' for Punjab if voted to power.
The proposed policy would focus on small and medium enterprises , new employment opportunities , and connecting traditional industries with modern technology.
Bajwa argued that a favourable industrial environment is essential to strengthening Punjab's economy and providing jobs to the youth.
Both leaders extended Vishwakarma Day greetings to artisans, workers, and the industrial community across Punjab.
Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Pargat Singh and Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, visited the Shiromani Shri Vishwakarma Temple in Phagwara on Monday, 9 November, on the occasion of Vishwakarma Day, offering prayers for the welfare of all and the prosperity of Punjab.
Congress Pledge on Industrial Policy
Speaking at the temple, Pargat Singh announced that if the Indian National Congress (INC) forms the government in Punjab, the party will formulate a 'separate and comprehensive industrial policy' tailored to the needs of the state's industry. He emphasised that special focus will be placed on promoting small and medium enterprises, generating fresh employment opportunities, resolving challenges faced by business owners, and integrating traditional industries with modern technology.
'The Congress aims to restore Punjab's position among the leading industrial states of the country,' Pargat Singh said.
Vishwakarma Day: The Occasion and Its Significance
Both leaders offered prayers at the temple, which is widely regarded as one of the most prominent Vishwakarma shrines in the region. Local MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal received them at the venue. Pargat Singh described Lord Baba Vishwakarma as 'the symbol of construction, craftsmanship, technical expertise and creativity', adding that his teachings inspire dedication and skill among working professionals. He noted that artisans, workers, technical experts and small business owners make an 'invaluable contribution' to industrial growth in both Punjab and the country at large.
Bajwa on Strengthening Punjab's Economy
Leader of Opposition Bajwa stressed that reviving Punjab's economy demands a favourable environment for industrialists, small business owners, artisans and workers. He argued that promoting industries would generate employment for the youth and fortify the state's economic base. Both leaders concluded by extending Vishwakarma Day greetings to artisans, workers, entrepreneurs and the broader industrial community across Punjab.
Political Context
The visit comes as the Congress, currently in opposition in Punjab, looks to sharpen its economic pitch ahead of the next state assembly elections. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab has faced criticism over the state's industrial trajectory, and the Congress's pledge of a dedicated industrial policy represents an attempt to position itself as the preferred alternative for business owners and the working class. Notably, Vishwakarma Day rallies at temples and industrial sites have become a recurring platform for political outreach to artisan and worker communities across north India.
Point of View
No timelines, no fiscal outlay. Punjab's industrial decline is well-documented, but the state's fiscal stress means any incoming government will face tight headroom for large-scale incentives. Whether the pledge translates into a credible pre-election document or remains a headline talking point will determine how seriously business communities and workers take it.
NationPress
9 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Congress promise for Punjab's industry on Vishwakarma Day?
Congress leaders pledged to formulate a separate and comprehensive industrial policy for Punjab if the party returns to power. The policy would prioritise small and medium enterprises, job creation, resolution of business owner grievances, and integration of traditional industries with modern technology.
Who attended the Vishwakarma Day event in Phagwara?
Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Pargat Singh, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, and local MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal attended the event at the Shiromani Shri Vishwakarma Temple in Phagwara on 9 November.
Why is Vishwakarma Day significant for Punjab's industrial community?
Vishwakarma Day is observed to honour Lord Vishwakarma, regarded as the deity of craftsmanship, construction, and technical expertise. It is an important occasion for artisans, engineers, factory workers, and small business owners, making it a key platform for political outreach to these communities.
What did Partap Singh Bajwa say about Punjab's economy?
Bajwa said that strengthening Punjab's economy requires providing a favourable environment to industrialists, small business owners, artisans, and workers. He argued that promoting industries would generate employment for the youth and bolster the state's economic foundation.
What is the Congress's broader political aim with this announcement?
With the AAP government in power in Punjab, the Congress is positioning itself as the preferred alternative for the state's business and working-class communities. The industrial policy promise is part of its effort to sharpen its economic credentials ahead of the next state assembly elections.
