The Lok Sabha elections in Punjab seem poised to produce two Independent victors, causing considerable concern due to their perceived radical beliefs as they both are currently incarcerated under the National Security Act (NSA). Amritpal Singh from a pro-Khalistani separatist background is leading in the Khadoor Sahib constituency, while Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa, the son of Indira Gandhi’s assassin Beant Singh, is ahead in the Faridkot constituency.
Parliamentary Constituency – Faridkot
In Faridkot, Sarabjeet Singh is currently leading by a margin of 68,835 votes, Sarabjeet has garnered 2,92,186 votes, surpassing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Karamjit Singh Anmol with 2,23,351 votes, Congress candidate Amarjit Kaur Sahoke with 1,57,754 votes, Shiromani Akali Dal’s Rajwinder Singh Dharamkot with 1,35,328 votes, and BJP’s Hans Raj Hans with 1,22,360 votes.
His campaign in the rural-dominated border constituency of Punjab gained traction with a Panthic agenda, resonating well with the populace, particularly during roadshows and poll meetings in the final stretch. Support from influential Sikh leaders involved in the Bargari protest, such as parallel jathedar Dhian Singh Mand and former Akal Takht jathedar Jasbir Singh Rode, as well as backing from the families of victims of the 2015 post-sacrilege police firing, bolstered Sarabjeet’s candidacy.
Former AAP leader Justice Jora Singh, who led the initial inquiry commission into the 2015 sacrilege and firing incidents, also endorsed Sarabjeet. Notably, Sarabjeet hails from a political family background, with his mother, Bimal Kaur Khalsa, and grandfather, Sucha Singh, having won Lok Sabha elections in the past.
Parliamentary Constituency – Khadoor Sahib
In Khadoor Sahib, Amritpal Singh, the chief of Waris Punjab De is leading by over 1,66,858 votes. Amritpal Singh has garnered 3,59,415 votes, surpassing the Congress candidate Kulbir Singh Zira with 1,92,557 votes, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Laljit Singh Bhullar with 1,81,174 votes, votes, BJP’s Manjit Singh Manna with 78,331 votes and Shiromani Akali Dal’s Virsa Singh Valtoha with 77,781.
Although their strong performance might suggest a resurgence of hardline politics and disillusionment with traditional political parties, have fueled support for alternative candidates. Sympathy for historical grievances influencing voter sentiment, underscoring the complex dynamics at play in Punjab’s political landscape.
Pro-Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh (Khadoor Sahib), Indira Gandhi assassin Beant Singh's son Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa (Faridkot) leading in respective constituency. Details from Election commission website: pic.twitter.com/S2hYjEgpEp
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 4, 2024
(with inputs from ECI)
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