Chamkaur Sahib, November 12: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) President Sardar Pargat Singh on Thursday said protecting Punjab’s youth from drugs, gangsterism, unemployment and insecurity was the most pressing challenge facing the state. Addressing a rally marking the launch of the ‘Jawani Sambhal Yatra’ (Save the Youth Campaign) in Chamkaur Sahib, he said the initiative was aimed at safeguarding Punjab’s future and identity.
Pargat Singh said Punjab deserved accountability for the injustices it had faced, particularly on issues concerning its water, law and order, drug trafficking and gangsterism. He asserted that the Congress would take up the fight for Punjab’s rights and interests with determination and mobilise people across the state through the campaign.
Targeting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the PPCC chief said Punjab was a land of peace, brotherhood, courage and sacrifice, shaped by the legacy of its Gurus, saints and martyrs. He remarked that merely wearing a yellow turban did not make someone Bhagat Singh; one had to follow his ideals, principles and spirit of sacrifice. He alleged that the Chief Minister had compromised Punjab’s interests by bowing to leaders from Delhi.
Describing the Congress’s struggle as ideological rather than merely political, Pargat Singh emphasised the need to strengthen secular values, Sikh spirit, Punjabiyat and communal harmony. He said the state had always stood firm in defending its rights and identity and would continue to oppose every form of injustice.
Expressing concern over the deteriorating law and order situation, drug abuse and rising gangsterism over the past five years, he said concrete measures were essential to protect the younger generation. He added that the Congress, if voted to power, would introduce an effective model to tackle these challenges and restore Punjab as a secure, strong and prosperous state.
Extending support to the campaign initiated by former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, Pargat Singh said the Congress would carry its message to every village, town and household. He urged people, particularly the youth, to participate actively in the movement.
Congress National General Secretary and Punjab in-charge Sachin Pilot, who arrived in Punjab to support the ‘Punjab Maangda Insaaf’ campaign, was welcomed at Chandigarh Airport by Pargat Singh. Senior leaders, including MP Dr Amar Singh, were present.
The Chamkaur Sahib rally was attended by Sachin Pilot, co-in-charges Ravinder Dalvi and Suraj Singh Thakur, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, MPs Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Amar Singh, former Cabinet Minister and MLA Rana Gurjit Singh, and former minister Vijay Inder Singla, among other party leaders and workers.
During his visit, Pilot also shared a cup of tea with Pargat Singh and other Congress colleagues, discussing issues and challenges confronting the people of Punjab. Co-in-charge Ravinder Uttamrao Dalvi, MP Amar Singh and former minister Balbir Singh Sidhu were also present.
