In a remarkable electoral upset, Amritpal Singh, a Khalistani separatist currently in Jail, emerged victorious from the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat. Singh, who contested as an Independent candidate, secured 197,120 votes, defeating Congress candidate Kulbir Singh Zira by a substantial margin. The Election Commission confirmed his victory, marking a historic moment in Punjab’s political landscape.
Background and Context
Amritpal Singh Sandhu, born on January 17, 1993, hails from Jallupur Khera, a village in Punjab’s Amritsar district. His journey from an unknown truck driver in Dubai to a radical pro-Khalistan separatist and Member of Parliament is quite interesting.
Early Life and Dubai Days
Amritpal grew up in a religious family, the youngest of three children. His uncle had served as the village sarpanch for a decade before moving to the United Kingdom. After completing his 10th class, Amritpal briefly pursued mechanical engineering but dropped out after three years. In 2012, he relocated to Dubai, joining his family’s transport business. It is claimed that he has mechanical engineering degree from the University of Punjab, but various sources suggest he worked as a dispatcher or even a truck driver.
Rise to Prominence
Amritpal gained prominence during the year-long farmers’ protests in 2020, which opposed new agricultural laws proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His incendiary views and sudden fame sparked a political crisis. He returned to Punjab in September 2022, controversially appointed as the leader of Waris Punjab De. His campaign urged youth to shun drugs, embrace traditional Sikhism, and advocate for Khalistan—a sovereign Punjabi Sikh nation state.
Controversies and Crackdown
Indian intelligence sources allege that Amritpal received support from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and stockpiled arms, leading to the formation of his private militia, Anandpur Khalsa Fauj (AKF). In March 2023, the state government, in coordination with the central government, launched an intense crackdown on him and his associates. He was arrested under the National Security Act in April 2023.
Where is Amritpal Singh now?
Currently, Amritpal Singh is incarcerated in Dibrugarh Jail in Assam. His wife and lawyer recently visited him there, seeking relief and advocating for his bail. The circumstances surrounding his confinement remain controversial, with supporters viewing him as a champion of panthic issues and critics labeling him a separatist threat.
The Lok Sabha Victory
Despite being incarcerated, Amritpal contested the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat as an Independent candidate. His victory, securing 197,120 votes, stunned political circles. His platform focused on Punjab’s drug menace and Sikh identity. As he takes his seat in Parliament, all eyes are on this unconventional politician, waiting to see how he fulfills his promises.
The Khadoor Sahib constituency witnessed a fierce battle among several candidates. Besides Amritpal Singh and Kulbir Singh Zira, Akali Dal’s Virsa Singh Valtoha and AAP’s Laljit Singh Bhullar also contested the seat. The Election Commission accepted Singh’s nomination papers, dispelling concerns that his candidacy might be rejected.
The Victory and Its Significance
Amritpal Singh’s victory reflects the electorate’s desire for change and their willingness to support unconventional candidates. His family members received the election certificate from the Returning Officer, symbolizing the triumph of grassroots politics over established party machinery.
Meanwhile, Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, the son of one of Indira Gandhi’s assassins, secured the Faridkot seat by a comfortable margin of 70,053 votes over AAP’s Karamjit Singh Anmol.
As Amritpal Singh prepares to represent Khadoor Sahib in the Lok Sabha, he faces significant challenges. His ability to navigate parliamentary proceedings from behind bars remains untested.
Will Amritpal Singh’s victory revive Khalistan politics in Punjab?
Punjab witnessed a seismic shift in its political landscape as two pro-Khalistan candidates, despite facing formidable odds, emerged victorious with resounding mandates. Jailed Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh, currently incarcerated in Assam’s Dibrugarh jail, and Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, son of the late Beant Singh—one of the assassins of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi—clinched impressive wins in Khadoor Sahib and Faridkot constituencies, respectively.
Amritpal Singh’s triumph in the Khadoor Sahib constituency, where he faced off against established political heavyweights, including Congress’ former MLA Kulbir Singh Zira and AAP’s Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, is quite shocking to most people. Despite his confinement, he secured an unprecedented victory margin of 1.97 lakh (197,120) votes, signaling a groundswell of support for his panthic agenda and highlighting the electorate’s demand for decisive action on pressing issues.
Both candidates, running as independents, tapped into the deep-seated frustrations of Punjab’s populace, who have grown weary of empty promises and traditional politics. Be it the rampant drug crisis, unresolved sacrilege cases, contentious riparian rights, or lingering grievances from the turbulent militancy era—the people of Punjab demand meaningful action and lasting solutions to their enduring problems.
The long-pending issues, such as justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, remain elusive, with wounds from that tragic period still persisting. Additionally, several Sikh political prisoners, known as Bandi Singhs, have spent over three decades in jail, and their release remains a matter of concern for many, leading to protests and agitations.
Moreover, an extensive manhunt launched by the AAP Government for Amritpal in March and April 2023 led to the arrest or detention of over 300 Sikh youths, with many having minimal involvement with him and committing no crimes. The perceived injustice during this operation has left simmering anger in villages, evoking memories of the dark days of the 1980s.
These victories transcend mere electoral triumphs; they symbolize a paradigm shift in Punjab’s political consciousness, reflecting a yearning for meaningful change and redressal of long-standing grievances. The electoral success of Amritpal and Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa not only reshapes Punjab’s political dynamics but also sends ripples across the nation, sparking conversations about the resurgence of panthic sentiment and the need for inclusive governance.
Concerns about the Khalistan movement
The Khalistan movement, which gained prominence in the 1980s, remains a significant chapter in India’s history. Rooted in the Sikh community’s quest for identity and autonomy, it unfolded against a backdrop of political turmoil, violence, and social upheaval. The Khalistan movement seeks to create an independent homeland for Sikhs and has held various non-binding referendums to secede Punjab from India.
Origins and Ideals
The call for Khalistan emerged during the 1930s, as British colonial rule in India neared its end. Sikhs, seeking a separate homeland, envisioned Khalistan as an ethno-religious sovereign state in the Punjab region. The proposed boundaries varied among different groups, ranging from the entirety of Sikh-majority Punjab to larger claims that included parts of North India and Pakistani Punjab. Shimla and Lahore were proposed as potential capitals.
The 1980s: A Decade of Turmoil
The movement gained momentum in the 1980s, fueled by political and economic grievances. Punjab, with its Sikh-majority population, became the epicenter of the struggle. Violent attacks, bombings, and assassinations marked this period, resulting in thousands of deaths. The insurgency was led by militant groups like Babbar Khalsa and Khalistan Commando Force.
In 1984, Operation Blue Star—an Indian military action to flush out militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar—intensified tensions. The assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi later that year further escalated the conflict. The Sikh separatist leader Jagjit Singh Chohan claimed that Pakistani Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had promised support for Khalistan, driven by a desire for revenge over Bangladesh.
The scars of Operation Blue Star remain, shaping Punjab’s collective memory and influencing Sikh identity and politics. The operation remains a contentious chapter in India’s history, evoking strong emotions and debates.
The Insurgency and Its Impact
Khalistan Commando Force, responsible for the assassination of General Arun Vaidya, epitomized the armed struggle. However, factional infighting, disillusionment among Sikhs, and heavy police crackdowns hindered the movement’s progress. By the mid-1990s, the insurgency waned, culminating in the assassination of Chief Minister Beant Singh by a Babbar Khalsa member.
Despite its failure to achieve independence, the Khalistan movement left lasting imprints. The wounds of the 1980s remain, with yearly demonstrations for those killed during Operation Blue Star.
As we reflect on this tumultuous period, it’s essential to recognize the complexities of identity, justice, and nationhood that shaped the Khalistan movement. While the dream of Khalistan remains unfulfilled, its impact reverberates through Punjab’s collective memory and the broader Sikh diaspora.
The AAP government is accused of not taking assertive action to address these movements in the state, leading to the deterioration of the situation since the party came to power in Punjab in 2022.
Amritpal Singh’s victory in the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat could potentially revive concerns about the Khalistani movement. While his efforts to eradicate drug abuse in Punjab have garnered public support, his rise to prominence remains a topic of debate. Some view it as an attempt to polarize Sikh voters ahead of elections, while others see it as a reflection of growing disillusionment with mainstream parties.
In conclusion, Amritpal Singh’s electoral win and Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa’s victory highlight the complex socio-political landscape in Punjab. As the state grapples with historical grievances and contemporary challenges, these pro-Khalistan candidates have become symbols of hope, sparking discussions about Punjab’s future and the role of panthic politics in shaping it.
