Punjab Congress chief Pargat Singh: 'We have a roadmap to tackle drugs issue'
Synopsis
Former Indian hockey captain Pargat Singh has taken over as Punjab Congress President with a pointed message: the party has a roadmap on drugs, and the BJP is only playing politics. With Punjab Assembly polls on the horizon and internal party differences to manage, his opening moves — and his chemistry with Congress In-charge Sachin Pilot — will define whether this leadership change is a reset or just a reshuffle.
Key Takeaways
Pargat Singh , former Indian hockey captain and Olympian, was appointed Punjab Congress President on 3 October .
He replaces Amarinder Singh Raja Warring , Ludhiana MP, who led the state unit for over four years .
Singh claimed the Congress has a 'roadmap' to tackle Punjab's drug menace, calling it a 'social and administrative' problem.
He accused the BJP of doing politics over the drug issue rather than addressing it substantively.
Singh met Punjab Congress In-charge Sachin Pilot and MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla after assuming charge, focusing discussions on organisational strengthening.
Newly appointed Punjab Congress President Pargat Singh said on Saturday, 3 October that the party has a concrete roadmap to combat the drug menace gripping Punjab, while accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of exploiting the crisis for political gain. His remarks came shortly after he formally assumed charge as the state unit chief in New Delhi.
Taking Charge and the New Leadership
Pargat Singh, a former Indian hockey captain and Olympian, replaces Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, the Member of Parliament from Ludhiana, who had led the Punjab Congress for more than four years. Singh thanked the Congress leadership for the appointment, pledging to work with 'complete dedication and commitment' to strengthen the party in Punjab and serve the people of the state.
On Drug Menace and BJP Criticism
'BJP doesn't have the power to control the drug problem. They are only doing politics over it. Drugs is a major concern in Punjab but we have a roadmap in place to deal with it,' Singh said. He described the drugs crisis as a 'social and administrative' problem, indicating that the Congress approach would be multi-pronged rather than purely law-enforcement driven. 'We will work for the betterment of the state and people will witness what Punjab really is,' he added.
Assembly Polls Preparations
Speaking on the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections, Singh projected confidence in his party's readiness. 'There's no struggle in preparations...our team is so good. We move forward as a team. We have plenty of time. These other teams — BJP, AAP, SAD — are not going to last even 15-20 minutes,' he said. The remarks signal an aggressive electoral posture from the Congress, which is keen to reclaim the state it lost to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in 2022.
Meeting With Sachin Pilot and Party Leaders
After taking charge, Singh met Punjab Congress In-charge Sachin Pilot and party MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla. In a post on social media platform X, Singh said: 'After taking charge as President of Punjab Congress, met Punjab Congress In-charge Sachin Pilot Ji. Gurjeet Singh Aujla Ji was also present on the occasion.' He added that the meeting focused on 'strengthening the organisation and taking up the issues of Punjab and its people.' Singh also indicated he would lean on Pilot's experience, saying: 'I will take guidance from him since he is more experienced. We will sit down and discuss what is good for Punjab and what all we are going to do.'
The Road Ahead for Punjab Congress
Singh's appointment comes at a sensitive moment for the party, which is working to resolve reported organisational differences among its state leaders ahead of the next election cycle. His background as a celebrated sportsperson and public figure is expected to lend visibility to the unit. Whether the promised 'roadmap' on drugs translates into a credible policy plank — or remains electoral rhetoric — will be closely watched by voters and rivals alike.
Point of View
And 'we have a roadmap' is precisely the vague reassurance that voters in the state have heard before. With AAP incumbency, BJP's aggressive outreach, and the Shiromani Akali Dal regrouping, Congress needs more than a new face at the top. The real test will be whether Pilot and Singh can resolve the factional undercurrents that have undermined the state unit repeatedly — and whether that 'roadmap' on drugs ever gets written down.
NationPress
3 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new Punjab Congress President?
Pargat Singh, a former Indian hockey captain and Olympian, is the newly appointed Punjab Congress President as of 3 October. He replaces Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, the MP from Ludhiana, who held the post for over four years.
What did Pargat Singh say about Punjab's drug problem?
Singh said the Congress party has a 'roadmap in place to deal with' the drug menace in Punjab, describing it as a 'social and administrative' problem. He accused the BJP of doing politics over the issue rather than offering genuine solutions.
Why was Pargat Singh appointed Punjab Congress chief?
Singh's appointment comes ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections, with the Congress looking to reset its state unit and resolve reported organisational differences. His profile as a celebrated sportsperson is seen as an asset for the party's public outreach.
Who is the Punjab Congress In-charge and what was discussed?
Sachin Pilot is the Punjab Congress In-charge. Singh met Pilot and MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla after taking charge, with discussions focused on strengthening the party organisation and addressing issues affecting Punjab and its residents.
How does Pargat Singh view Congress's poll readiness in Punjab?
Singh expressed strong confidence, saying the Congress team is 'so good' and that rival parties — BJP, AAP, and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) — would 'not last even 15-20 minutes' against them in electoral competition.
