As the political arena in Punjab gears up for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has found itself at a crucial juncture, contemplating a significant strategic shift. With the Khadoor Sahib constituency yet to witness the declaration of its candidate, all eyes are on Akali Dal’s potential move to throw its weight behind a rather unconventional choice — Amritpal Singh, a fervent proponent of the Khalistan movement currently incarcerated in Assam's Dibrugarh jail under the National Security Act (NSA).
Back in 1989, amidst the political turbulence, the Shiromani Akali Dal had thrown its weight behind former IPS officer Simranjeet Singh Mann, who was then behind bars. Against all odds, Mann clinched victory with an impressive tally of nearly four lakh votes, showcasing the power of grassroots support in the face of adversity.
The decision to potentially support Amritpal’s candidature stemmed from the party’s desire to make a bold statement in the state’s political landscape, marking a departure from conventional political strategies. While the official announcement regarding Amritpal’s candidacy and SAD’s support is yet to be made, discussions within the party indicate a growing inclination towards endorsing Amritpal’s likely bid for the Khadoor Sahib seat.
Notably, a day before, Amritpal’s counsel Rajdev Singh Khalsa had claimed that his client had expressed a firm intention to contest from the Khadoor Sahib constituency during impending Lok Sabha polls. Khalsa, who had met Amritpal in Dibrugarh on Wednesday, affirmed the latter’s resolve to enter the political arena despite his ongoing legal battles.
Amritpal’s candidacy, if materialized, is expected to inject a fresh dynamic into the electoral fray, given his popularity and standing among a section of his followers. His incarceration in Dibrugarh jail has not deterred his determination to contest the elections, with speculation rife about his potential candidacy receiving the backing of SAD, which is already going all out to revive its panthic support base.
From Khadoor Sahib, there was a lengthy deliberation centered around names of former Minister Bikram Singh Majithia, former SGPC president Bibi Jagir Kaur, Succha Singh Chhotepur, for MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha, among others. However, following discussions about Amritpal’s potential entry into the electoral fray, the Akali Dal may extend its support.
The Khadoor Sahib constituency holds historical significance, being a stronghold of Sikhism and the epicenter of the Khalistan movement. Amritpal’s alignment with the pro-Khalistan ideology resonated deeply with a section of the electorate in this region, presenting a unique opportunity for SAD to consolidate its support base by championing a candidate aligned with their sentiments.
Amidst the deliberations surrounding Amritpal’s candidacy, SAD finds itself navigating uncharted waters, balancing the prospects of electoral gains against the potential risks associated with endorsing a candidate with a controversial political background. However, the party seems inclined towards seizing the opportunity to tap into the sentiments of a section of the electorate deeply invested in the Khalistan movement.
The absence of a solid contender from other political parties in Khadoor Sahib constituency further bolstered the case for SAD to throw its weight behind Amritpal’s candidacy. With Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) nominating Cabinet Minister Laljeet Singh Bhullar and BJP fielding former SAD MLA Manjit Singh ‘Manna’ Mianwind, the field remains relatively open, providing SAD with ample room to maneuver strategically.
Conversations within SAD regarding Amritpal’s potential candidacy underscored the party’s willingness to explore alternative political trajectories and challenge established norms. If SAD indeed extends its support to Amritpal, it could herald a paradigm shift in Punjab's political landscape, with far-reaching implications for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
On April 23, 2023, the Punjab Police managed to arrest Amritpal Singh ending a 35-day dramatic chase. Amritpal was arrested from Moga district’s Rode village — the ancestral village of slain Khalistani militant ‘Sant’ Jarnail Singh Bindrawale. Revered as Bhindrawale 2.0 by his followers, Amritpal had strategically chosen Rode village’s Gurdwara Janam Asthan Sant Khalsa — erected nearly 38 years after Bhindranwale died in Operation Blue Star in 1984 — to surrender. It was the same Gurdwara where the ceremony of Amritpal’s dastarbandi (installation), as the head of Waris Punjab De, was held on September 29, 2022, amidst the slogans of “Khalistan Zindabad”.
Born in 1993 in Jalandhar’s Jallupur Kheda village, Amritpal initially pursued business ventures in Dubai after completing his high school education. However, upon returning to India, he became associated with the farmer agitation in Delhi and later founded the ‘Waris Punjab De’ organization. Initially aimed at engaging youth in Sikhism and awakening Punjab, the organization later faced accusations of radicalizing youth.
