Congress party named hockey legend Pargat Singh as Punjab chief on Oct 2, 2026, two days after Amarinder Singh Raja Warring resigned. Singh, a former MLA from Jalandhar Cantonment, replaces a Jat Sikh in a state still mired in internal battles.
The move follows the central committee's earlier decision to appoint Sachin Pilot as in‑charge, a shift meant to curb factionalism between Warring's and Charanjit Singh Channi's camps. Pilot's appointment had already signified a break from the Bhupesh Baghel‑led leadership that many said favored Warring.
Singh, who left the Shiromani Akali Dal a decade ago to join Congress, has long been viewed as a neutral figure, a trait that made him a palatable choice for both sides. His history as a national hockey icon gives him a broad appeal beyond the party's traditional base.
Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, who had been president since 2020, issued a resignation letter on Sept 30 citing the need for 'fresh leadership' amid rivalry, while Channi, a Dalit former chief minister, expressed support for Singh in a brief statement. Warring's exit left a vacuum that the high‑command sought to fill quickly.
With the new chief in place, Congress is now focusing on building a united campaign ahead of the January 2027 Punjab elections, where the party hopes to regain seats lost to AAP and BJP.