Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Oct 2: Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring formally resigned from the post of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief after meeting Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Friday.

Warring, who headed the Punjab Congress for around four-and-a-half years, stepped down four months ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. His resignation followed the party’s decision to replace him as state Congress chief, with newly appointed Punjab affairs in-charge Sachin Pilot understood to have played a role in the process.

Warring said he believed Pilot may have felt that it was time for a change, while acknowledging that he had no concrete evidence to support the view. He also said he had known Pilot since his days in the Indian Youth Congress.

After meeting Rahul Gandhi, Warring said he had shared his views on Punjab, including the political situation, challenges before the Congress and issues concerning the Aam Aadmi Party government. He said Rahul Gandhi sought information about the ground realities and the party’s future course in the state.

Warring said Rahul Gandhi had given him “a lot of love” and thanked him for the opportunity to lead the Punjab Congress under difficult circumstances. He said he remained ready to serve the party whenever required.

Reflecting on his tenure, Warring said he had given his best during his four-and-a-half years as state Congress president and felt relieved after submitting his resignation. He said there was no established tradition in the Congress of submitting a resignation directly, but he did so because Rahul Gandhi had appointed him.

“Reaching the top is an achievement, but nobody can remain at the top forever,” Warring said.

The resignation paves the way for the Congress to formally announce his successor in Punjab. Sources said Warring’s views may be considered while finalising the next state Congress chief, while he is also expected to be given an organisational responsibility.

Warring had changed his social media bio on Thursday to “Former PPCC Chief”. Asked whether he was being offered another responsibility, he said the party had already given him several opportunities, including serving as Indian Youth Congress president, a Cabinet minister and Punjab Congress chief.

Before meeting Rahul Gandhi, Warring and his wife Amrita Warring paid obeisance at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi. Sources close to Warring said he was travelling to London for a family holiday and had been upset over the decision to replace him.

Warring also made a cryptic reference to needing “rest” after working continuously for more than four years.

He took charge as Punjab Congress chief following the party’s poor performance in the 2022 Assembly elections, when the Congress won 18 of the 117 seats and the Aam Aadmi Party formed the government.