The stage is set for a political spectacle at Sri Muktsar Sahib on January 14, as two major events are set to unfold during the famous ‘Maghi Da Mela’. In a move that has already stirred significant political debate, jailed pro-Khalistan leader and Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, currently detained in Assam's Dibrugarh jail under the National Security Act (NSA), is poised to announce the formation of a new regional political party during a massive ‘Panth Bachao, Punjab Bachao’ (Save the Faith, Save Punjab) rally — expected to draw a large crowd of supporters.

Simultaneously, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) — a party with deep historical roots in Punjab politics — will organize its own massive political conference at the same venue. Both events are expected to draw large crowds, with Amritpal Singh’s supporters anticipating a political revolution, while the SAD looks to solidify its place in Punjab’s evolving political landscape.

Amritpal Singh, a controversial Sikh preacher and the leader of ‘Waris Punjab De’, has become a highly polarizing figure in Punjab. Known for his pro-Khalistan sentiments, Amritpal’s political ambitions have been marked by his calls for an independent Sikh state and his vocal opposition to the current political order in Punjab.

His arrest in April 2023, following a dramatic manhunt and subsequent detention under the NSA, had temporarily put a brake on his political activities. However, his impressive victory as an independent candidate in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the panthic Khadoor Sahib seat has reignited his political ambitions, while also giving a fresh impetus to panthic politics in Punjab.

Now with his father, Tasrem Singh, confirming the formation of a new political party, Amritpal aimed at bringing anew political vision to Punjab. The new party, which will be launched during the Maghi Mela, is expected to focus on local issues such as unemployment, agricultural distress, and environmental concerns. Amritpal’s supporters view this party as a direct challenge to the established political order, and they hope it will be a vehicle for addressing the socio-economic issues that they believe have been sidelined by the mainstream parties.

The ‘Panth Bachao, Punjab Bachao’ rally, which is expected to draw thousands and lakhs, will also serve as a platform for Amritpal Singh’s father and other close associates to outline the party’s ideological foundation. The rally’s focus will be on safeguarding the interests of the Sikh community, particularly in light of growing concerns over religious identity, unemployment, and the state’s economic troubles. This event is expected to mark a turning point in Punjab’s political narrative, as it will provide a counterpoint to the narratives espoused by other political parties, most notably the SAD, which has been a dominant force in the region for decades.

Meanwhile, the Akali Dal, a party that has historically represented the interests of the Sikh community, will not let this political development go unchallenged. Despite internal challenges and factionalism within the party, SAD has confirmed that it will hold a “massive conference” during the Maghi Mela.

SAD’s senior leader Daljit Singh Cheema on Thursday announced that all senior party leaders would attend the event. This conference, expected to be attended by a significant number of supporters, aimed to assert SAD’s relevance in the current political climate, especially as Amritpal Singh’s party threatens to shift the political tectonics in Punjab.

The timing of both events, coinciding with the religious and cultural fervour of the Maghi Mela, will heighten the political stakes. Traditionally, the Maghi Mela attracts large numbers of pilgrims and devotees, making it an ideal occasion for political leaders to make their mark. SAD, which has long been a key player in Punjab politics, will look to reassert its influence and unity during this conference, which has now gained added significance in light of Amritpal Singh’s rise.

As political observers note, this dual-political event at the Maghi Mela may well represent a defining moment for Punjab’s political future. On one side, Amritpal Singh’s regional party, rooted in Sikh identity and local issues, could find fertile ground among voters who feel disillusioned with the established political parties. On the other hand, SAD will be keen to remind voters of its longstanding legacy as the defender of Sikh causes and Punjab’s autonomy. The party’s massive conference is not just an attempt to maintain its foothold in the state, but also an effort to reposition itself as a viable alternative to newer political forces like Amritpal’s party.