Radical Sikh preacher and Khalistani Activist, Amritpal Singh will be contesting the Lok Sabha (LS) elections from Sri Khadoor Sahib seat. As per announcement made by his legal council Rajdev Singh Khalsa, he will be contesting the elections independently. In a press conference, Amritpal’s mother explained why Amritpal will be contesting the LS seat independently, without the support of a political party. She said that that Amritpal, “Panth da parchaar karega”(he will advertise the Panth), and hence rid Punjab of the drug menace in accordance to the principles of Sikhism.
She further explained that Amritpal is not contesting the elections for himself, but instead decided to contest seeing the condition of his fellow Sikh inmates. She said that for the sake of their families, he decided to contest the elections, so they can be provided with justice. She said that he was not going to contest the elections and if he were on his own, he would spent his whole life in jail. But from persuasion from the sangat, he decided to contest the elections, so that the ‘bandi Sikhs’ can be free and with their families.
“In order to stop the government's oppression of the youth on a large scale, to give the movement of religion a big shape. Amritpal Singh will contest as an independent candidate from Khadur Sahib Constituency in order to end it, for the release of the captive Singhs and to take the pain of Punjab to the international level” she further went on to say.
Sri Khadoor Sahib is traditionally known to be a Panthak seat. Rumours have been circulating that Shiromani Akali Dal is likely to back the radical militant in order to play its Panthak card. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will be putting their hopes behind Laljit Singh Bhullar, while the BJP will be fielding Manjeet Singh Manna Mianwind, a former SAD member.