INLD’s newly appointed district president Surjeet takes charge, vows to strengthen party

Former Indian kabaddi player Surjeet Singh Pehalwan, who was appointed as district president of INLD two days back by party’s national president Abhay Chautala, assumed office on Thursday, urging party workers to unite and strengthen the organisation.

Senior party leaders, including former district president Yashbir Rana Kuku, party general secretary Ram Kumar Abla, Phool Singh Manjura, Surjeet Sandhu, Krishan Kutail, Jaipal Punia, and several others, welcomed him and assured their unwavering support.

Expressing gratitude, Surjeet Singh thanked Abhay Chautala and other senior leaders for entrusting him with the responsibility. “I am honoured to take on this role and will work tirelessly to strengthen the party at the grassroots level,” he said.

Surjeet also served in the Haryana police for nearly 22 years and took voluntary retirement in 2024, just before the Haryana Assembly elections, to enter active politics. He contested from the Karnal Assembly seat but faced defeat. Despite the setback, he remains committed to the party’s vision and its fight against the ruling government. Surjeet belongs to the Ror community and was also a member of the Indian Kabaddi team and even travelled to Pakistan for matches, earning widespread recognition during his career.

Criticising the BJP-led government, Surjeet said people are disappointed due to issues such as rising unemployment, inflation and deteriorating law and order. “The youth are forced to move abroad because the government has failed to provide them with adequate job opportunities,” he said.

He further emphasised that only the INLD can challenge anti-people policies and offer a strong alternative in the state. Party leaders present there pledged their full support and vowed to strengthen INLD’s presence in the district ahead of upcoming political battles.