Amritpal Singh wins Punjab's Khadoor Sahib seat from jail
PTC Web Desk: Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh, who contested the Lok Sabha Elections in Punjab's Khadoor Sahib from Assam's Dibrugarh jail, won by 1,97,000 seats .
Amritpal Singh, chief of Waris Punjab De, is lodged in Assam's Dibrugarh Jail since last year after being charged under the National Security Act (NSA). His arrest followed a massive crackdown after a mob, incited by his supporters, attacked a police station in February of the previous year. Despite his imprisonment, Amritpal Singh decided to contest the elections, driven by the insistence of his community, or ‘sangat.’
In the 2019 election, the Khadoor Sahib seat was won by Congress's Jasbir Singh Gill. This year, besides Amritpal Singh and Kulbir Singh Zira, the contest includes Shiromani Akali Dal's Virsa Singh Valtoha and Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Laljit Singh Bhullar.
The Khadoor Sahib constituency holds significant importance as a 'Panthic' seat, representing Sikh religious and community values. This context adds weight to Amritpal Singh's candidacy, despite his radical background and legal troubles. The Akali Dal, another prominent Panthic party, has criticised Amritpal Singh's bid, questioning his capability to represent Panthic values, especially given his recent adoption of traditional Sikh garb and rituals.
SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal commented on Singh's candidacy, questioning how someone who embraced the traditional Sikh lifestyle only a year ago could adequately represent the Panth. He emphasised the consistent track record of his own party in safeguarding Panthic values over their 103-year history.
Amritpal Singh's father, Tarsem Singh, revealed that his son was initially reluctant to enter the political fray. However, he was persuaded by the community’s strong urging, which highlights the preacher's significant influence and support base within his constituency.
- With inputs from agencies
