On the sidelines of the “Har Booth Congress Mazboot” event at Ludhiana yesterday, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring sat down for an exclusive conversation with The News Gateway Editor Umesh Dewan. In a candid and wide-ranging interview, he spoke about Punjab’s mounting debt crisis, the drug menace, industrial stagnation and the collapse of law and order under the AAP regime. Warring outlined Congress’ roadmap to restore financial health, revive industry and ensure safety for citizens, while exuding confidence that under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, a united Congress will register a resounding victory in the 2027 Punjab polls.
The Congress is facing internal factionalism in Punjab. With elections just six months away, how does your party plan to ensure that a united Congress fights the 2027 polls?
The Punjab Congress under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi stands fully united. Yes, there may be differences of opinion on certain issues — but such differences exist even within families and they only strengthen debate, not weaken unity. The best part about Congress is that, as a genuinely democratic political outfit, it gives every member the space to openly express their viewpoint. AAP and BJP are busy manufacturing and amplifying fake news about factionalism in the Punjab Congress. The people of Punjab see through this propaganda. Their trust remains firmly with Congress and I am confident the party will secure a resounding victory in the upcoming polls.
Punjab is facing a severe debt burden and fiscal stress. What is Congress’ roadmap to restore the state’s financial health without imposing additional burdens on ordinary citizens?
The AAP government has played havoc with Punjab’s economy. The State’s debt was ₹2,61,281 crore as on March 31, 2022. Today, that burden has shot past ₹4 lakh crore and by March 31, 2027, it is projected to touch an alarming ₹4.4 lakh crore. Instead of creating Rangla Punjab, they have reduced our proud land to Kangla Punjab. Our vision is decisive: once our government takes charge, every rupee of wasteful expenditure will be stopped. We will plug the drains, harness existing resources, and drive robust revenue generation. Punjab will not be left to collapse — Punjab will rise again.
Drug abuse remains one of Punjab’s most persistent challenges. What specific measures would a Congress government implement that previous governments failed to initiate?
First of all, the AAP government must answer what they have done to end the curse of drugs in Punjab. Before the elections, CM Bhagwant Mann boasted, “Hamari sarkar aayegi, 3 mahine mein hum nasha khatam kar denge” (Our government will come, we will end the drug menace within 3 months). And Arvind Kejriwal himself declared, “Agar sarkar mili hui na ho nashe walo ke saath to sarkar 3–4 mahine ke andar thos karwai kar sakti hai” (If the government is not hand in glove with the drug mafia, then within 3–4 months, the government can take concrete action against the drug menace). Four and a half years have passed. Where is the action, as the drug menace has increased manifold and there have been hundreds of deaths due to drug overdose as per media reports? Our government will not hide behind hollow slogans. We will treat the drug menace as the highest priority: dismantling the supply chain, nabbing the ‘big fishes’ and choking smuggling routes. We will seek the Union government’s intervention so that BSF takes strong steps to ensure there is no narcotics inflow from across the border.
Industrial growth in Punjab has stagnated compared to neighbouring states. What concrete steps would Congress take to attract investment and create jobs for Punjab’s youth?
Today, Punjab’s industry is crippling. Because of wrong and unfriendly policies, factories are shutting down, entrepreneurs are migrating to other states and major industrial houses are expanding outside Punjab instead of within. Our government’s focus will be crystal clear: we will study the core issues strangling industry and resolve them on a priority basis. Industrial clearances and related matters will be simplified, red tape will be slashed and confidence will be restored. At the same time, we will make special efforts to secure an industrial package from the Union government — giving Punjab’s industry the support it deserves. Punjab will not be allowed to bleed jobs and investment. Under our watch, Punjab will rise as a hub of growth, enterprise and opportunity. Not just industry — I assure you, a Congress government will stand by every section of society. Farmers’ interests will be protected, grievances of the government employees will be redressed and unemployed youth will be empowered with opportunities. Our commitment is to rebuild Punjab as a state of growth, dignity and fairness for all.
Law and order has emerged as a major political issue. Your comments?
Under the present AAP regime, “jungle raaj” rules Punjab. Broad daylight murders, extortions, snatchings, gang wars — the government’s miserable failure has left citizens living in fear. People hesitate to step outside their homes after sunset. If the people of Punjab give us a chance — and they surely will — our government will deal with criminals with an iron hand. We will strengthen the intelligence network, launch a massive statewide crackdown, and ensure not just criminals but all unscrupulous elements are rooted out. We will restore peace, law and order with decisive action.
What is your prediction for the upcoming Punjab elections? Do you think the BJP will be able to make a mark in the 2027 Punjab polls?
According to me, it is written on the wall — Congress is set to form the next government and that too with a massive mandate. As far as the BJP is concerned, they have no base in Punjab, particularly in the rural heartland. They will struggle even to find candidates for all 117 assembly constituencies. Therefore, the idea of BJP making any mark in Punjab polls is nothing but a fake narrative — a story their party is desperately trying to peddle before the elections.