A Pro- Khalistani separatist wins the Khadoor Sahib seat in Punjab from behind the bar.
The previous day’s roller-coaster elections had many highlights such as BJP losing its precious seat in Faizabad (Ayodhya), Kangana’s victory over Mandi, Madhya Pradesh painted in saffron, Rahul’s triumph in Rae-Bareli and shining numbers of the opposition but one peculiar thing which was overshadowed by the cheers and sorrows of various sides, was the victory of Amritpal Singh in Khadoor Sahib of Punjab.
Who is Amritpal Singh?
Amritpal gained fame last year when he gushed into a police station to relieve his closest associate Lovepreet Singh (Toofan Singh) jailed for an alleged kidnapping and theft case. He even protested against this by calling a rally. Eventually, he succeeded as Toofan Singh got out.
Amritpal took over an organization as head of ‘Waaris de Punjab’, the anointment as the head took place in the village Rode (native of Bhindranvale) last year. Amritpal’s activities like storming the police station and separatist ideologies had created an environment of chaos in Punjab.
Born in a village in the Amritsar district, he went to Dubai for his family’s truck-related business. He moved back after launching ‘Khalsa Vaheer’, a form of a religious procession. It aims at bringing the youth closer to Sikhism according to him. In public preaching, he mentions his radical views on violence, the state of Punjab comparing it with the Sikh empire, the use of weapons, and the glorification of violence.
A question that he posed “Indira Gandhi tried to stop the Khalistan movement, what was the result?” (Pointing at the murder of Iron Lady) It paints him as a Pro-Khalistani and separatist leader, implying vigilantism.
Arrest after the month-long chase
Replicating himself as Bhindranwale, Amritpal has adopted his ideology, appearance, and activities. Every drop of his blood strived for the freedom of his community, denoting the community is enslaved, still said by him in a rally which was threatening the security of the country-state.
His involvement in storming the police station led to his arrest after months of manhunt around the country. The charges were relevant to the National Security Act and he was moved to Assam.
The Independent candidate
The lawyer of the jailed, met him and requested that in Favor of Khalsa Panth, he should fight the election and make a minister from Khadoor Sahib (A place of religious significance for Sikhs). Amritpal accepted the request and filed for the nomination along with the lawyer.
A win is a win?
The Winner’s campaign focused on releasing the ex-Sikh militants, Punjab’s drug Menace, and protecting and securing identity and Sikh rights across the nation.
Even Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa (Son of the assassin of Indira Gandhi) , a radical, won from Faridkot by 70,000 votes.
The recent election results raise questions about the future of Panthic politics and the prevalence of vigilantism in the state. There are concerns about the state and community’s safety. The failure of mainstream political parties to address the state’s issues may have contributed to the rise of regional parties, radical groups, and Panthic politics.
