miles-to-go-before-i-sleep-raja-warring

Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring is a self-made leader. Unlike most of his party colleagues in the state, he doesn’t inherit any family political legacy. He has risen from the ranks to become the president of the Indian Youth Congress. His momentous moment was when he defeated Manpreet Badal from the Gidderbaha assembly segment at the age of 31. Since then, Warring has never looked back.

 

He was appointed president of the Punjab Congress in 2022, probably the lowest point for the party when it was reduced to a mere 18 seats from 77. He has led the party to a phenomenal recovery, winning 7 of the 13 assembly segments against all odds. He also won himself, defeating three-time MP and friend-turned-political-foe Ravneet Singh Bittu, who switched to the BJP ahead of the elections, in a closely fought political battle in Ludhiana with a nail-biting finish.

 

Warring spoke to News Arena India on a wide range of issues. Here are excerpts from the interview.

 

Q: What does the Ludhiana victory mean to Raja Warring?

 

A: Of course, a victory is always a sweet feeling for anyone. But it is not Raj Warring’s exclusive victory. It is the victory of each and every Congressman, worker, and leader who worked against all odds to ensure that we won from here. It also proved beyond any doubt that people of Punjab do not get carried away by any kind of polarising propaganda.

 

Q: Where do you find the Congress right now in Punjab?

 

A: Congress has been handed a resounding victory in Punjab. We have won seven of the thirteen seats. The ruling Aam Aadmi Party is a distant second with just three seats. This is when we were faced with a hostile administration as AAP tried to misuse the official machinery. Then the BJP tried to polarize voters, and also people like Amritpal in Khadoor Sahib and Sarabjeet Singh in Faridkot posed a different kind of challenge. Although we could have done much better, still I feel our performance is good under such circumstances.

 

Q: Why do you think people are leaving the Congress?

 

A: I don’t think people are leaving. Yes, a few leaders did leave us for reasons only they can answer. But I am sure all of them must be regretting it now as to why they left a party, which they served and which in return gave them so much. Most of them will be lost in the wilderness and may soon end up in oblivion.

 

Q: Would you like to mention any names?

 

A: (Smiles) Do you think I need to mention any names? Everyone knows, and everyone is sure that all these leaders are regretful of deserting the Congress. They have realised that come what may, in Punjab, the only party that has survived and will survive and thrive is the Congress. AAP was a seasonal storm, which has started to vanish. Even a party like Akali Dal has been reduced to margins with just 13 percent votes. Only Congress survives because it takes everyone along and has a secular and progressive vision.

 

Q: How much credit does Raja Warring give himself for this victory?

 

A: I have already told you, it is not Raja Warring alone. It is the hard work of each and every party worker and leader across the state. Raja Warring is just one among them. I feel grateful to the party for having assigned me the job to lead this glorious party in a state like Punjab, and I am equally thankful to the people of Punjab who have reposed their faith in me and vindicated the decision of the party high command.

 

Q: There have been some voices of discontent over ticket distribution. What do you say about that?

 

A: Yes, there have been some voices of discontent and disappointment, and it is quite natural. The party had to choose only 13 candidates for 13 seats. And it is a fact that there were not just 13 people capable and competent enough to fight but many more, and some may be better than those who contested. I include myself also. It was a tough choice for the party to choose from among the best pack and whom to pick and whom to leave. There might have been better candidates than me. But the party had to ‘zero in’ on one candidate only, and it happened to be me, like it could have been anyone else. The same was the case with the other 12 constituencies. At our level, we need to be not only understanding but magnanimous also. The party's decision is and must be binding on everyone.

 

Q: Would you like to propose any action against any of those leaders who did not work for the party or even worked against the party?

 

A: All is well that ends well. I have no reason to believe that anyone worked against the party. Yes, as I said, there might have been some disappointments, which is a natural human tendency. We have to rise above everything and get ready for the final battle of 2027. Look forward with hope; don’t look back with regret.

 

Q: Where do you place yourself as a leader ahead of 2027?

 

A: I place myself in the same row as every party worker. Whatever role the party offers me, I will welcome it as I have always welcomed and tried my best to do justice to my job and come to the best expectations of the party and the workers.

 

Q: What challenges do you see for the Congress in Punjab ahead of 2027?

 

A: I really don’t see any challenge for the party. I only see a great opportunity waiting for us in the 2027 elections. Take it from me, Congress will break all previous records of winning in 2027. 2024 was the semi-final; the grand final will be played in 2027 when Congress will emerge victorious.

 

Q: And who do you think is going to be the ‘man of the match’?

 

A: (Smiles again) Man of the match is never decided before the match; it is only after the game. Let us play and play it well. We have a great team of the best players, and I believe in teamwork and sportsmanship. Let everyone give his best to the team.

 

Q: Does that mean Congress does not need any improvements?

 

A: Complacency is not a word in my dictionary. There is always a lot of scope for improvement. In this case, there is much more scope for improvement. Congress has to go a long way. We can’t rest relaxed and get complacent after winning seven of the thirteen seats. We have to target at least 100 assembly segments for 2027 and start preparations right away. As the American poet Robert Frost famously said, “I have miles to go before I sleep,” the same applies to me. I have a long way to go before I rest, relax, or get complacent.