Mann Hopes Players and Party Support Pargat Singh as New PCC Chief
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann welcomes Pargat Singh as new PCC President, hoping for strong party unity and support for the former hockey captain.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has extended his congratulations to former Indian hockey captain Pargat Singh following his appointment as the new President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC). Expressing his support for the former athlete, Mann remarked that he hopes Singh will receive full cooperation from both his party colleagues and his fellow players.
Mann's Tribute to 'Captain Saheb'
Speaking to reporters regarding the significant political shift in Punjab, CM Mann shared his admiration for the veteran sportsman. He revealed that he often refers to Singh as "Captain Saheb" within the Assembly, a nod to his illustrious career on the hockey field.
"I am a huge fan of hockey," Mann stated, while also celebrating the recent successes of Indian hockey teams. "Our team won gold medals this time; both girls and boys won gold medals in the middle of the Asian Games. I would like to congratulate Pargat Singh. I hope their players will support them. Because if you don't pass, there can't be a goal."
A New Era for Punjab Congress
The appointment of Pargat Singh marks a major leadership change for the Congress party in the state. He succeeds Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, who resigned from the post on Friday. While the party leadership expressed appreciation for Warring's contributions, the focus has now shifted to Singh's new mandate.
Pargat Singh has described his new role as a profound responsibility. He expressed his determination to work effectively to ensure the formation of a Congress government in Punjab in the near future. To align with the national leadership, Singh noted that he intends to meet Rahul Gandhi within the coming days to receive strategic direction for his work in the state.
Seeking Blessings in Delhi
Before returning to Punjab to take charge, Pargat Singh traveled to Delhi to meet Gursharan Kaur, the wife of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Seeking her blessings, Singh paid tribute to the former Prime Minister's lasting impact on the nation.
"He was a stalwart of Punjab," Singh told the media. "He not only contributed to the country’s economy but also to humanity, honesty and values to a high level across the world. It was important to seek the blessings of Mrs Manmohan Singh before going to Punjab."
Singh further reflected on the political landscape, suggesting that the very institutions built by Manmohan Singh have been weakened by the current political system, a sentiment he intends to address through his new leadership role.