Raja Warring suggests Sachin Pilot decided his exit as Punjab Congress chief

NEW DELHI: Outgoing Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has suggested that AICC state in-charge Sachin Pilot may have decided to remove him from the post, as the party prepares to announce a change in the leadership of its state unit ahead of the 2027 assembly polls.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Warring said he had already conveyed his views to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and had no further avenue within the party to explain what he believed should or should not happen in Punjab.

“When he was appointed in charge, I went to formally congratulate him. I spoke with him for about 15 minutes that day... but I haven't met him since... Given my long journey in politics, I feel that Sachin Pilot must have decided it was time to remove 'Raja' from the post. I don't have concrete proof of this, but perhaps the General Secretary felt that Raja should be removed... Otherwise, there is no specific issue... I have conveyed what I had to say to Rahul Gandhi. There is no one left after Rahul Gandhi to whom I could explain what should or shouldn't happen...” Warring said.

Warring also spoke about his meeting with Rahul Gandhi after stepping down as Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president, saying the Congress leader showed him “great affection”.

He said he answered Rahul's questions about Punjab and shared his views on the state. Warring added that he was satisfied with his tenure as state president, regardless of how long it lasted.

“...I met my leader, Rahul Gandhi. I answered the questions he asked about Punjab and shared my thoughts. He showed great affection. After that meeting, my wife and I came straight here to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib to offer 'Ardas' (prayer)... A tenure can be long or short, but it should be one that people remember. My tenure as a minister was exactly that kind—memorable—and one should be grateful for what one receives. I am satisfied that, after a 4.5-year tenure as State President, whatever happens, happens for good. .. Whatever the party gave, I accepted it willingly and obeyed the command...” he said.

Warring was appointed Punjab Congress chief in 2022, succeeding Navjot Singh Sidhu. He stepped down from the post amid reports of differences within the state unit, particularly involving former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi.

The leadership change comes after weeks of internal differences over the future of the Punjab Congress. The party high command is looking for a leader who can work across different factions in the state unit ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.

Former minister and ex-MP Vijay Inder Singla has emerged as one of the names being considered for the post.

Other names discussed include Jalandhar Cantt MLA Pargat Singh, former MLA Rana KP Singh, Raja Sansi MLA Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria, former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi and Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, according to party sources.

The leadership tussle has played out publicly in recent months. A section of Punjab Congress leaders led by Channi had opposed Warring's continuation as state chief.

Channi had earlier said the decision on any leadership change rested with the party high command.

“It is the prerogative of Rahul Gandhi and (Mallikarjun) Kharge ji. Only they know who is to be appointed or when is to be changed,” he had said.

Warring's latest remarks come as the Congress prepares to formally announce the new leadership structure of its Punjab unit.