National Security Act (NSA) detainee and pro-Khalistan Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh’s resounding victory in the recent Lok Sabha elections has ignited a new trend among individuals facing legal charges, particularly his peers behind bars, who now aspire to transition from accused lawbreakers to potential lawmakers.
Amritpal, renowned for leading ‘Waris Punjab De’ and currently held in Assam’s Dibrugarh jail, caused a stir by securing the Khadoor Sahib parliamentary seat with a significant majority, surpassing expectations and inspiring others in similar circumstances to contemplate a foray into electoral politics.
Following his lead, several of his close aides, also NSA detainees incarcerated in Dibrugarh, now harbour ambitions to contest upcoming bypolls across Punjab, fueled by newfound political aspirations. At least three of his close aides contemplating their own electoral bids.
Punjab is staring at four bypolls — from Gidderbaha, Dera Baba Nanak, Barnala, and Chhabewal — after the sitting legislators Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, and Dr Raj Kumar Chhabewal, respectively, were elected members of the Lok Sabha, and vacated their seats.
First one to inspire from Amritpal’s success is his close aide Bhagwant Singh, widely known as 'Pardhan Mantri Bajeke’, who is preparing to contest the impending bypolls from Gidderbaha. After him, Kulwant Singh Rauke and Daljeet Singh Kalsi — also incarcerated with Amritpal in Dibrugarh jail — also announced their intentions to run in the Barnala and Dera Baba Nanak Assembly by-elections, respectively.
The announcement was made by their family members, underscoring a growing trend where detainees are actively seeking political office despite their legal predicaments.
In addition to NSA detainees, another individual currently incarcerated in Patiala Jail is set to make his electoral bid. Sandeep Singh, also known as Sunny, gained notoriety for his involvement in the shooting of Shiv Sena leader Sudhir Suri in Amritsar. Despite being lodged in Patiala jail, Sandeep Singh’s brother recently announced his intention to contest the upcoming by-election in Dera Baba Nanak.
Sandeep Singh had previously expressed interest in running for the Amritsar Lok Sabha seat but withdrew his candidacy. Now, with his sights set on Dera Baba Nanak, Sandeep Singh joins Daljeet Kalsi, another inmate from Dibrugarh jail, in vying for the same assembly seat.
This unprecedented development underscores the evolving dynamics of Punjab's electoral landscape, where individuals facing serious legal challenges are actively seeking political office.
Kulwant Singh Rauke, a clerk with the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), was apprehended during a statewide crackdown on alleged radical activities linked to Amritpal’s group, 'Waris Punjab De.'
Rauke’s father was also detained under the NSA in 1987 due to his association with the pro-Khalistan movement led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. His family still unaware whether he was killed in a fake encounter or still alive.
His cousin, Maha Singh, maintained that when he spoke to Kulwant, he told him that he had discussion with Amritpal and others and expressed his desire to contest assembly bypolls from Barnala; and asked him to contact the panthic organizations for support and prepare for his elections.
Narinder Kaur, wife of Daljeet Kalsi, also shared a video on social media announcing her husband’s decision to contest the upcoming assembly by-elections from Dera Baba Nanak. In the video, Kaur stated that she had met Kalsi at Dibrugarh Jail where he expressed his intention to run for office in his maternal ancestral village. She appealed for support from the public, promising to provide further updates as the campaign progresses.
Sources familiar with Kalsi describe him as an alleged adviser and financial supporter of Amritpal Singh, known for his connections within the Punjabi film industry and frequent international travels.
The decision of these NSA detainees to contest elections raises profound legal and ethical questions about the intersection of civil liberties, security laws, and democratic processes. Critics argue whether individuals facing serious charges should be eligible to participate in electoral politics, while proponents view their candidacy as a test of democratic inclusivity and the right to political representation.
Amritpal’s electoral success has not only emboldened his associates but also sparked broader discussions on the role of detainees in shaping Punjab’s political future.
With vacant assembly seats awaiting bypolls, the upcoming electoral contests will serve as a litmus test for the traditional political players.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has not yet released the schedule for the upcoming by-elections, despite four assembly seats being declared vacant by Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker. According to regulations, the ECI is required to schedule these by-polls within six months.
