Chamkaur Sahib, November 12: Punjab Congress President Sardar Pargat Singh on Thursday called for a united movement to protect the state’s youth from drugs, gangsterism, unemployment and insecurity, asserting that safeguarding the future of the younger generation was Punjab’s biggest priority.
Addressing a public rally at the launch of the ‘Jawani Sambhal Yatra’ (Save the Youth Campaign) in Chamkaur Sahib, Pargat Singh said the campaign was not merely a political programme but a mission to defend Punjab’s future, rights and identity.
He said the Congress would take up every issue affecting Punjab, including its water rights, drug menace, gangsterism and law and order, and ensure that the voice of the state reached every household. He maintained that Punjab had suffered injustices for which the people deserved answers and accountability.
Taking a dig at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Pargat Singh said Punjab’s history was rooted in peace, brotherhood, bravery and sacrifice. Referring to Bhagat Singh, he said wearing a yellow turban alone did not represent the revolutionary leader’s legacy; his ideals, principles and commitment to sacrifice had to be followed. He accused the Chief Minister of compromising the interests of Punjab by submitting to leadership from Delhi.
The Congress president also stressed the importance of preserving Punjabiyat, Sikh values, secularism and communal harmony. He said the Congress believed in equal respect for all religions and would continue its democratic struggle against any attempt to weaken Punjab or silence its people.
Expressing serious concern over the rise in drug abuse, gangsterism and law and order problems during the past five years, Pargat Singh said the state needed decisive action to secure its youth. He promised that a Congress government would bring forward an effective strategy to address these challenges and work towards making Punjab strong, safe and prosperous.
Backing the ‘Jawani Sambhal Yatra’, initiated by former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, he said the party would take the campaign to villages, towns and cities across Punjab. He appealed to young people and citizens from all sections of society to become part of the initiative.
Earlier, Punjab Congress chief Pargat Singh welcomed Congress National General Secretary and Punjab in-charge Sachin Pilot at Chandigarh Airport. Pilot arrived in the state to extend support to the ‘Punjab Maangda Insaaf’ campaign. MP Dr Amar Singh and other senior party leaders were also present.
Among those attending the Chamkaur Sahib rally were co-in-charges Ravinder Dalvi and Suraj Singh Thakur, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, MPs Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Amar Singh, former minister and MLA Rana Gurjit Singh, and former minister Vijay Inder Singla, besides a large gathering of Congress workers.
Pilot also held informal discussions with Pargat Singh and other party colleagues over tea, during which they deliberated on the challenges confronting Punjab and the concerns of its people. Co-in-charge Ravinder Uttamrao Dalvi, MP Amar Singh and former minister Balbir Singh Sidhu were among those present.
