Chandigarh, October 11
In what may be termed as a clear act of “political messaging,” outgoing Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring underscored his unwavering loyalty to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, declaring himself a steadfast soldier of Rahul. Speaking at the oath‑taking ceremony of newly appointed PPCC chief Pargat Singh at Congress Bhawan, Chandigarh this morning, Warring first extended warm congratulations to Pargat on his new assignment and assured him of full support in the role.
Interestingly, as his speech unfolded, Warring slipped in remarks that, read between the lines, carried a critical edge. “Indeed, many opposed me — and perhaps will continue to do so. Yes, I have faced defeats too. But it is equally true that opposition is reserved for those who have something in them.”
In the presence of AICC general secretary in charge of Punjab Congress Affairs, Sachin Pilot, Warring clarified that he was not opposing anyone. “But I want to make it clear that I recognise only one person as my leader — Rahul Gandhi,” he declared, sending an unmistakable message to the entire Punjab Congress rank and file, including Pilot.
Acknowledging that the Congress party has given him much, former PPCC president and Ludhiana Warring said, “It is possible that next time Pilot sahib might even cut my ticket but I will remain Rahul Gandhi’s soldier and will always stand with the Congress party — there are no ifs and buts.” His categorical assertion carried a clear political message that the architect of his replacement was none other than Sachin Pilot. Notably, even after submitting his resignation, Warring had told the media that given his long political journey, he felt Pilot must have decided: “Raja ki chutti karo” (It’s time to remove Warring).
Addressing the gathering, Warring stressed that he was not aligned with any faction. “But I made one request before Rahul Gandhi Ji — the youth sitting in the back rows, who have stood by me and the Congress for four and a half years, must not be forgotten. Please make some arrangement for them. Those who braved lathis and batons for years, riding motorcycles and giving their sweat and blood to the party, deserve to be accommodated.”
His words virtually signalled that the loyal cadre who carried the struggle on their shoulders should be rewarded with tickets in the upcoming assembly elections. “More than half of the tickets will be given to those young people who have been fighting the Congress’s battles,” he asserted. It is pertinent to note that Warring has in fact demanded at least 40–45 tickets for his young brigade, nurtured by him over the past four years.
