Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge arrived to participate in the party’s inaugural convention in Ludhiana. Former Chief Minister Charanjit Channi, Pratap Singh Bajwa, Devendra Yadav, National Women’s Congress President Alka Lamba, Member of Parliament Manish Tewari, Amar Singh, Punjab Pradesh Congress President Raja Warring, and Rajkumar Chabbewal welcomed him at the event.
Charanjit Channi acknowledged the historical alliance between Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and BJP, emphasizing that it existed in the past and persists today. He compared their alliance to a sinking ship, suggesting that even rats abandon a sinking ship, and no compromise can be made with them. Channi also clarified that he has never been a farmer and, if he were, he would understand their issues and provide compensation. Former Chief Minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal also attended the event.
‘Punjab under Lawrence Bishnoi’s rule, not yours’, says Pratap Singh Bajwa. Bajwa asserted that only Punjabis can halt Modi’s chariot, and the people of Punjab will respond decisively. He mentioned that the government in Punjab is currently led by the gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, not the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
“If Modi becomes PM, it will be the last election”, Bajwa predicted that if Modi becomes the Prime Minister again, it would be the last election because he would then change the constitution. He criticized Arvind Kejriwal for accumulating a crowd with the help of government machinery a day before the rally, claiming that more Congress workers have gathered without such assistance.
Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, the Congress state president, declared that despite consolidating on 18 seats in Punjab, courageous workers have revived Congress. He assured that Congress will stand firm against the injustices and atrocities committed by the government, no matter how much they target Congress ministers and leaders.
Mallikarjun Kharge, addressing the gathering, praised the unity of soldiers guarding the border and farmers providing food in Punjab. He criticized the central government for ruining both.
Kharge urged the farmers to reach Delhi once again and assured them that Congress supports their struggle. He declared that they would continue fighting until the three farm laws are repealed. He criticized Modi for associating the term “terrorist” with farmers, stating that now the farmers will not vote for him.
Kharge questioned where the youth who spent four years in Agniveer would go. He promised that if their government comes into power, they will reinstate the old recruitment system. Although the budget allocated provisions for farmers, the government could not spend one lakh crore, leading to lapses.
Kharge targeted Modi Kharge pointed out that even the central government has acknowledged the significant work done by Manmohan Singh for the country from 2004 to 2014. However, Modi does not learn from the advice given by Singh. Congress has been undermined by Modi, and Kharge emphasized the need for India to unite and fight against these challenges.
Navjot Singh Sidhu, the star campaigner for Congress and the party’s in-charge for Punjab affairs,
was conspicuously absent from the convention. His photo was not displayed on any of the boards.
The convention, being the first in Punjab for Congress, is expected to be crucial for the party’s preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The presence of Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge suggests that important decisions may be taken to strengthen the party in Punjab. Pressure is also mounting to make decisions regarding Raja Warring.
This convention in Punjab is considered significant in preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The party aims to unite under the leadership of the national president to work together effectively in the upcoming elections. The announcement by the Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday to contest all 13 seats in Punjab in the upcoming elections has added to the political dynamics in the state.