Pargat Expresses Displeasure Over SIR, Raises Concern Over Deletion of More Than 1.3 Million Votes in Punjab

Chandigarh, October 13, 2026: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) President Pargat Singh expressed dissatisfaction over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, raising serious questions over the deletion of more than 1.3 million votes in Punjab. Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, he said that if the names of eligible voters had been removed from the electoral rolls, it would constitute a serious matter concerning their democratic rights.
The Election Commission must clarify how many voters’ names have been deleted, the reasons behind these deletions, and the steps being taken to protect the rights of eligible voters, he said. The right to vote is the foundation of democracy, and any injustice in this regard will not be tolerated.
Pargat Singh said the Congress has consistently raised questions about the functioning of the Election Commission to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process. He stressed that every doubt concerning electoral rolls must be resolved impartially so that no eligible citizen is deprived of the right to vote. The credibility of elections in a democracy can be maintained only when every eligible voter is guaranteed the full right to exercise their franchise.
Manjit Singh Sidhu Joins Congress
Commenting on the decision of Manjit Singh Sidhu, former Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, to join the Congress, Pargat Singh said Sidhu had played a role in building the Aam Aadmi Party. He welcomed Sidhu’s experience and commitment to Punjab, adding that Sidhu had long been looking for a political platform that prioritises harmony, public welfare and the future of Punjab.
Pargat Singh said Rahul Gandhi is effectively representing the aspirations and concerns of young people, particularly Generation Z, in national politics. He emphasised the need for politics based on mutual respect, democratic values and people’s issues rather than hatred and confrontation. According to him, this political vision and the hope for a better future for Punjab inspired Manjit Singh Sidhu to join the Congress.
Raises Concerns Over Law and Order in Punjab
Pargat Singh also expressed concern over the law-and-order situation in Punjab and the increasing incidents of daylight killings. He alleged that under the Aam Aadmi Party government, an atmosphere was developing in which the safety of ordinary citizens had become a matter of serious concern.
He accused the government of excessive use of the police machinery and neglecting citizens’ security, stating that the purpose of law enforcement should be to instil confidence among the people.
Referring to the murder of Parminder Singh Jhota, Pargat Singh said it was the government’s responsibility to ensure the safety of those raising their voices against drugs. Questioning the government’s ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ (War Against Drugs) campaign, he said the drug menace could not be eradicated through announcements and publicity alone.
The government must take effective action against drug supply chains and trafficking networks while ensuring the safety of those speaking out against drugs, he said. He demanded the swift arrest of those responsible for Jhota’s murder, strict legal action against the perpetrators, and concrete measures to restore law and order in the state.
Pargat Singh said Punjab needs a government and administration that protect citizens’ rights, give young people hope and uphold the rule of law. He reiterated that the Congress would continue to strongly raise issues concerning voters’ rights, democratic values and the safety of the people of Punjab.
Senior Congress leaders Randeep Nabha, Kushaldeep Dhillon, Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria, Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Bhagwant Pal Singh Sachar and Hardev Singh Laddi were also present on the occasion.