Amarinder Warring a 'fighter', will play 'very important' role in Punjab polls: Sachin Pilot

Although Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has been removed as the Punjab Congress chief, party general secretary in-charge of the state Sachin Pilot has described him as a “fighter” who will play a “very important role” in the Assembly elections early next year.

In an exclusive interview with PTI, Pilot called Warring a “very energetic, hardworking young man” who helped strengthen the Congress during a challenging period.

Pilot praises Warring after leadership change

Asked about the change in the Punjab Congress leadership shortly after he took charge as the state in-charge, Pilot said Warring had worked hard to build the organisation when the party had only 15-16 MLAs.

"Let me tell you, Raja Warring, I've known for 20 years. He's a very, very energetic, hardworking young man. And he has actually helped build the Congress party at a time when, you know, we had only 15-16 MLAs, a very challenging time. And for four years and more, he worked hard to strengthen the organisation," Pilot told PTI on Wednesday evening.

He said organisational changes were sometimes necessary and did not diminish the contribution of outgoing leaders.

"He's a fighter. But sometimes, changes in the organisation happen. In Uttar Pradesh, which also goes to polls in February, we have a new president (Aradhna Misra-Mona) there. We've got a new president, Pargat Singh ji is now made president of Punjab. So, these changes happen routinely depending on, you know, how we want to move forward," Pilot said.

Warring meets Pilot, promises to work together

Warring met Pilot at his Delhi residence on Thursday and expressed confidence in the party's prospects in the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

"Met @SachinPilot ji at my Delhi residence today. We had a constructive discussion on Punjab issues and the roadmap & strategy for the 2027 Assembly elections," Warring said on X.

"I am confident that Pilot Sahab's vast political experience will be immensely helpful and together we will ensure a victory for @INCPunjab in the upcoming elections," he added.

The meeting comes after Warring had indirectly blamed Pilot for his removal from the state leadership. On October 2, Warring stepped down following a decision by the Congress high command, and former India hockey captain Pargat Singh took over as Punjab Congress president.

At a ceremony marking Pargat Singh's appointment, Warring had said he might even be denied an election ticket by Pilot but would continue to hold the Congress flag high as a soldier of Rahul Gandhi.

Why Congress chose Pargat Singh

Pilot said Warring's removal was not a question of his viability as state president. He added that the outgoing leader had encouraged young people to challenge the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and would remain important to the Congress campaign.

Praising Pargat Singh, Pilot said the former Olympian could encourage young people to focus on sports, health and fitness instead of drugs and mob violence. Pargat is a three-time MLA from Jalandhar Cantt.

Warring has also pledged to support his successor, despite acknowledging internal opposition during his tenure.

Congress eyes Punjab polls amid internal differences

The leadership change follows weeks of unrest within the Punjab Congress, with a section of leaders led by former chief minister Charanjit Channi opposing Warring's continuation in the post.

The Congress is preparing to challenge the ruling AAP in the upcoming Assembly elections. Pilot said the BJP was not a serious threat in Punjab and described its ally, the Shiromani Akali Dal, as a smaller adversary for the Congress than AAP.