Amritpal Singh, the head of ‘Waris Punjab De’ and a self-styled Khalistani leader currently imprisoned at Dibrugarh jail in Assam under the National Security Act, has declared his candidacy for the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat. His legal counsel, Rajdev Singh Khalsa, has confirmed that Amritpal Singh will run as an Independent candidate in the upcoming elections. However, as per sources, a main stream party is ready to give him a support in this fray.
“I am in Dibrugarh today. I met Amritpal Singh. He has confirmed to me that he will contest elections from Khadoor Sahib,” said Khalsa.
However, Amritpal Singh’s political ambitions come amid controversy. On February 23, he made headlines when he stormed the Ajnala Police Station in Amritsar, successfully securing the release of his aide while taking the Shield of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Palki, his aide was arrested on charges of kidnapping and attempted murder. This incident proved to be a significant embarrassment for the Punjab Police.
Following the Ajnala episode, the Punjab Police launched a major crackdown against Amritpal Singh, arresting 78 members associated with his outfit. Senior police officials revealed that this action was planned immediately after the Ajnala incident, as it convinced the Punjab government that the activities of Amritpal Singh and his associates posed a fresh challenge to the state’s law and order situation.
Despite these challenges and his imprisonment, sources suggest that a mainstream political party is considering offering support to Amritpal Singh’s electoral campaign from outside. His determination to participate in the democratic process and represent the people of Khadoor Sahib remains unwavering.