Terrorist Amritpal Singh, a jailed Khalistani separatist and chief of ‘Waris Punjab De,’ emerged victorious in Punjab’s Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat on Tuesday. Running as an Independent candidate, Singh defeated Congress’ Kulbir Singh Zira by over 1.5 lakh votes, according to the Election Commission.
Currently incarcerated in Dibrugarh jail in Assam under the National Security Act (NSA), Singh’s win has drawn significant attention. In April 2023, a massive manhunt for him resulted in the arrest of 300 youngsters, many of whom had interacted with him but committed no crimes. Amritpal Singh attacked Ajnala Police Station while taking the Shield of Shri Palki Sahib which was considered to be sacrilege at that point in time.
Experts suggest that the resurgence of figures like Amritpal Singh and Sarabjeet Khalsa, who is leading in Faridkot, should be seen as a development issue rather than a separatist problem. Singh gained prominence for his anti-drug campaign and his demand for a separate state. He has been inspired by extremist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who was killed during Operation Bluestar in 1984. Singh’s supporters argue that the wounds of 1984 are still unhealed.
Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, the elder son of Beant Singh, one of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassins, has garnered voter sympathy in Faridkot by emphasizing his lost youth due to his father’s execution. Despite running unsuccessfully in three previous elections, Khalsa is now leading in the constituency.