What next for Amarinder Warring after exit as Punjab Congress chief ahead of polls?

What next for Amarinder Warring after exit as Punjab Congress chief ahead of polls?

Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, who stepped down as Punjab Congress chief ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls, spoke to India Today about his resignation, Rahul Gandhi's support, Sachin Pilot's feedback and his equation with Charanjit Singh Channi, while saying he was uncertain about what lies ahead.

After having stepped down as Punjab Congress chief ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, the question now is what lies ahead for Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. In an exclusive interview with India Today, Warring spoke about his resignation, his meeting with Rahul Gandhi and the uncertainty surrounding his political future.

“I may have differences with someone, with another individual or even with the party. But I cannot say that about Rahul Gandhi. I did my part, and he did his,” Warring said.

Warring resigned as Punjab Congress chief earlier this week amid a deepening factional rift involving former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and his supporters.

His resignation also triggered a war of words between BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu and the Congress leader. Bittu accused Rahul Gandhi of following a “use and throw” policy, linking it to Warring’s exit.

Warring, however, rejected that characterisation.

“I may have differences with someone, whether an individual or even the party. But I cannot say that about Rahul Gandhi. I did my part, and he did his," he said.

“I may be angry, but I cannot say what Bittu said," he added.

Speaking about what lies ahead, Warring said: “You never know what might happen in politics.”

He said the party had given him an opportunity when it needed him and that he now felt the leadership wanted to give someone else a chance.

“The party gave me an opportunity when it needed me. Now, it feels they want a new option. They feel someone else should be given a chance,” Warring said.

Warring also spoke about his meeting with Rahul Gandhi following his resignation.

He said Gandhi asked him about the situation and circumstances in Punjab and showed affection during their interaction.

“The expression on his face conveyed that affection. He hugged me very tightly. That is all I can say,” Warring said.

Warring said he had already decided to submit his resignation.

“I knew I would not be asked to resign, but I submitted a formal resignation anyway,” he said.

Asked whether there was pressure from the Congress high command, Warring said he had no information about it.

“I have no information about whether there was any pressure or not. Sachin Pilot became the in-charge on the 5th and came to Punjab for just two hours to attend a protest. Today is the 2nd, and he has not returned since then,” he said.

On whether Pilot’s feedback played a role in the leadership change, Warring said he could not confirm it but believed it may have been a factor.

“Sachin must have given some feedback, I think. I cannot confirm this, but I feel that his not visiting the state for a month may have been a factor. He came for the protest and stayed for two hours, but did not return for a month. The leadership may have felt that some changes were needed. He must have submitted a report, I assume, and the leadership may have taken it into account,” he said.

Warring also spoke about his equation with former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, making it clear that he did not consider Channi senior to him in the party.

“I have won elections as many times as he has. He is not senior to me. I respect him because he has been our Chief Minister. Whoever the party appoints to a position gets to hold it,” Warring said.

On his successor as Punjab Congress chief, Warring said he would wish the person appointed by the party well.

“Whoever is appointed, I wish them well,” he said.

Asked what he would do now, Warring said he had gone to the gurdwara after meeting Rahul Gandhi.

“I have come to the gurdwara. I have lost everything, and this is where I find strength. Life has its ups and downs. Every Sikh comes here to pray for ‘chardi kala’. With the blessings of our Guru, we will have the grace of God. I have come here after meeting Rahul Gandhi to pray that whatever happens, happens for the good,” he said.