Chandigarh: Newly appointed Punjab Congress president Pargat Singh has indicated that he is among the contenders for the chief minister’s post, while stressing that the party will contest the next assembly elections under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership and follow a collective leadership approach.
In an interview with a television channel, Pargat Singh said several Congress leaders had the experience and ability to become chief minister. He named former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi, former state Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, former deputy chief minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira among the leaders capable of taking up the role.
Pargat Singh said he intended to draw on the experience of senior leaders to strengthen the party and improve its performance in the upcoming Punjab assembly elections.
Rejecting speculation about factionalism and internal differences within the state Congress, he said party leaders were prepared to work together. He added that responsibilities would be assigned according to each leader’s role and abilities, giving everyone an opportunity to contribute.
The newly appointed state Congress chief is scheduled to formally assume charge at Punjab Congress Bhawan in Chandigarh on Sunday, October 11. Preparations for the event have been completed, with around 10,000 party workers expected to attend.
Drawing a comparison with his hockey career, Pargat Singh said he would play the role of a striker in politics but was also ready to operate as a full-back when required, signalling his willingness to adapt to the needs of the party.
