Khalistan sympathiser Amritpal Singh, purported leader of the ‘Waris Punjab De’ outfit and alleged terrorist, previously hesitant to engage in electoral politics, has made a surprising reversal by deciding to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from the Khadoor Sahib parliamentary constituency in Khadoor Sahib. His decision was reportedly influenced by pressure from the Sikh community, referred to as ‘sangat,’ urging him to participate in the electoral process, according to Tarsem Singh, father of Khalistani Singh.
Currently detained in Assam’s Dibrugarh jail under the National Security Act, Amritpal Singh’s candidacy as an Independent candidate has thrown the ‘Panthic’ seat of Khadoor Sahib back into the spotlight.
“He (Amritpal) did not want to contest. But he said if it (contesting poll) is the decision of the ‘sangat,’ then he would change his decision and bow before the ‘sangat’,” said Tarsem Singh.
The decision was initially hinted by Amritpal Singh’s legal representative, Rajdev Singh Khalsa, who disclosed his intention to contest from the Khadoor Sahib seat as an independent candidate.
Amidst his incarceration, Amritpal Singh’s father emphasized their campaign’s focus on issues such as the release of Sikh prisoners and combating drug abuse in Punjab.
“The campaigning will be done by the people,” he stated, highlighting the overwhelming support received from the community. “Wherever we are going, people are supporting him. Though the government tried hard to malign him, people are with him,” claimed Tarsem Singh.
Paramjit Kaur Khalra, wife of late Khalistani activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, will spearhead Amritpal Singh’s election campaign, adding weight to his candidacy.
The announcement of Amritpal Singh’s candidacy has garnered support from the Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), prompting the withdrawal of their candidate from the constituency.
Amritpal Singh’s profile, alleged to be associated with terrorism, draws parallels with Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. His arrest last year followed a dramatic confrontation with Punjab Police after an incident in Ajnala, where he and his supporters clashed with law enforcement.
The Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha constituency, considered a ‘Panthic’ stronghold, holds significant political weight. Its assembly comprises nine constituencies, and the competition includes former MLAs, ministers, and party nominees vying for the seat.
As the election fervor intensifies, the contest for Khadoor Sahib emerges as a focal point of regional politics, with Amritpal Singh’s unexpected candidacy injecting a new dynamic into the electoral landscape, albeit with significant controversy and security concerns surrounding his involvement.