Pargat Singh unveils Congress’ Punjab poll roadmap; Farmer debt relief, youth jobs in focus
Babushahi Network
Chandigarh, November 10, 2026:The Congress has stepped up preparations for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, with a focus on drafting a manifesto covering farmers, youth, industrialists and other sections of society. Punjab Congress president Pargat Singh has indicated that the party is also moving ahead with its candidate-selection process, with the first list likely to be released soon.
Pargat Singh said the party was consulting farmers, industrialists, experts and representatives of different sectors to incorporate their concerns and suggestions into the election manifesto. He said the objective was to frame policies addressing Punjab’s challenges and ensuring the state’s future development.
Special agricultural package, debt relief for farmers
On the agricultural front, Pargat Singh said the Congress was considering a special package to reduce farmers’ financial losses and provide relief from mounting debt.
Describing agriculture as both the backbone of Punjab’s economy and an integral part of its culture, he said the party was holding regular interactions with farmers to understand their problems.
He added that the proposed agricultural package would also examine changes in cropping patterns and measures to improve farmers’ incomes.
Referring to the Swaminathan Commission recommendations, Pargat Singh alleged that the Congress had implemented 165 recommendations, while accusing the BJP government of failing to take concrete steps towards implementing them.
Tickets on merit, youth and experienced leaders to get preference
On candidate selection, the Punjab Congress president said the party had started the process through committee meetings and surveys.
He asserted that tickets would be distributed on merit rather than recommendations, with both young and experienced leaders being considered. The party would also seek representation for different age groups and sections of society.
He expressed hope that the Congress would release its first list of candidates in the coming period.
Asked whether seven Congress MPs could contest the Assembly elections, he said the decision rested with the party high command and would not be his personal call.
Cheaper power for industries on manifesto agenda
Pargat Singh said the concerns of industrialists would also receive specific attention in the manifesto. Referring to the 300-unit free electricity scheme, he said its financial burden had affected the industrial sector and stressed the need to reduce electricity costs for industries to encourage investment and industrial growth in Punjab.
He also raised concerns over drug trafficking and the supply of synthetic drugs in the state, questioning the sources of the supply and accountability for the problem.
Jobs, recruitment transparency and cases against party workers
The Congress leader said the party would also raise the issue of criminal cases registered against its workers in Punjab and seek justice for them. Employment opportunities for Punjab’s youth and transparency in government recruitment would be other key manifesto concerns, he said.
Referring to alleged irregularities in the PCS examination, Pargat Singh questioned whether the children of influential individuals had received undue benefits. He called for merit-based recruitment and a transparent selection process to ensure justice for young job aspirants.
With consultations on the manifesto and candidate-selection exercises underway, the Congress is preparing to take its proposed commitments to voters ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.