In a move poised to significantly impact Punjab’s political dynamics, a pro-Khalistan Sikh preacher and Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh – currently detained under the National Security Act (NSA) at Dibrugarh Jail in Assam, on Monday announced plans to form a new political party. His announcement came a day after a similar statement was made by his parents at the Golden Temple, affirming their commitment to establishing a new platform to voice the concerns of Punjab.
The development has the potential to reshape the discourse surrounding Punjab’s pressing issues, as Amritpal contended that existing political entities have failed to address the state’s long-standing challenges effectively.
Amritpal, in a post on ‘X’, revealed that his father, Tarsem Singh, along with his associates, would be spearheading the establishment of this new Sikh political party. “The challenges facing Punjab are intensifying, and it is clear that neither the current religious nor secular political parties have provided adequate solutions to the issues concerning the Punjab community. Supported by Guru Maharaj from Sri Akal Takht Sahib, we will soon announce the formation of a new panthic political party,” he wrote.
Tarsem Singh, after paying respects at the Golden Temple, expressed the urgency of giving voice to the concerns of Punjab’s youth. He emphasized that the existing political parties have consistently ignored the voices of the people, prompting them to take action on their own. He highlighted the need to save Punjab’s youth from the grip of addiction and urged the formation of a party that genuinely represents their interests.
The momentum for this political initiative coincides with the second anniversary of Amritpal Singh’s ‘dastarbandi’, or turban-tying ceremony, marking a significant milestone in his political journey. Supporters believed that past and present governments, including Congress, BJP, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), have prioritized financial gain over the welfare of the religious community, thus alienating the very groups they profess to support.
Sukhchain Singh, Amritpal’s uncle, criticized previous administrations for failing to adhere to the principles of Miri-Piri, a concept integral to Sikh philosophy. He lamented that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has often been viewed as a puppet of political families, leading to widespread disillusionment among Sikhs seeking genuine representation.
Amritpal’s detention under the NSA in March 2023 has not dampened the resolve of his supporters, who are now rallying to establish a party that aims to establish “Dharam da Raj” (the rule of righteousness) in Punjab. This new political entity is not just a response to current challenges but also a movement to empower the youth of Punjab, addressing addiction, unemployment, and the pressing need for religious representation in politics.
