Pargat Singh, Sachin Pilot Launch Punjab Congress 2027 Campaign From Amritsarਪਰਗਟ ਸਿੰਘ ਤੇ ਸਚਿਨ ਪਾਇਲਟ ਨੇ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ ਤੋਂ ਕਾਂਗਰਸ ਦੀ 2027 ਮੁਹਿੰਮ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ ਕੀਤੀ

Punjab Congress president Pargat Singh and party in-charge Sachin Pilot began the party's campaign push for the 2027 assembly elections in Amritsar on Thursday, October 8, paying obeisance at the Golden Temple with senior leaders and workers. Pargat Singh told reporters the visit was only to thank the Guru and seek blessings, and that politics would be discussed in a day or two.

What happened in Amritsar?

Pargat Singh, appointed state Congress chief on October 2, arrived from Delhi with Pilot and bowed at Sri Harmandir Sahib. The two were also scheduled to visit the Durgiana Temple, Ram Tirath Temple and St Paul's Church the same day. Calling himself a "Nimana Sikh", Pargat said the party had followed neither the politics of hatred nor of confrontation.

Why is the visit a unity test?

The Hindustan Times reported that the programme is meant to show a united Punjab Congress after months of factional differences, including visible rivalry between supporters of Charanjit Singh Channi and the camp around former state chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. Party functionaries said Channi, MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and leaders such as Partap Singh Bajwa were expected, and The Tribune reported that all sitting and former MLAs, including Warring, were to join. Pargat said all leaders and workers were united.

What comes next for the Punjab Congress?

Pargat Singh is due to formally take charge at Punjab Congress Bhawan in Chandigarh on October 11, and changes in the state committee are likely after that, The Tribune reported. The Pioneer reported that the Amritsar leg opens a four-day programme, while Channi, chairman of the campaign committee, is preparing a "Pagri Sambhal Yatra" against drugs and gangsterism, and a statewide bus yatra led by Rahul Gandhi is also being planned, according to that report.

Who is Pargat Singh?

Pargat Singh is a former captain of the Indian hockey team who entered politics and now leads the state unit, replacing Raja Warring.

When does Pargat Singh formally take charge?

He is scheduled to take charge as Punjab Congress president on October 11 at Punjab Congress Bhawan in Chandigarh.

Which places did the Congress leaders plan to visit in Amritsar?

The Golden Temple, Durgiana Temple, Ram Tirath Temple and St Paul's Church, according to the reports.