Pro-Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh, Indira Gandhi assassin’s son lead in Punjab: 5 reasons why

The Lok Sabha elections in Punjab are likely to throw up two Independent winners, causing much consternation because of their so-called radical ideology.

Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh who is currently in jail in Dibrugarh under the National Security Act (NSA) and Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa who is the elder son of Beant Singh, one of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassins, are leading in Khadoor Sahib and Faridkot respectively. As of 1.20 pm, while Amritpal is leading by over 1.2 lakh votes, Sarabjeet’s lead is more than 58,00 votes

While it may be tempting to see a return of hardline politics in their strong performance, the reasons are much more nuanced.

1. Unresolved issues in Punjab

Punjab is faced with numerous unresolved issues, including the division of river waters per the SYL accord, justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh pogrom, and the release of Sikh political prisoners who have served over 30 years in jail. These persistent issues foster discontent and periodically lead to agitations or the emergence of self-proclaimed leaders rallying people for justice.

2. Overkill during the hunt for Amritpal

The extensive manhunt for Amritpal Singh in March and April 2023 led to the arrest or detention of over 300 youngsters, many of whom had merely interacted with him and committed no crimes. Although many were later released, there is simmering anger in the villages about the perceived injustice. Additionally, the week-long internet shutdown during the manhunt, seen as draconian, reminded many of the dark days of the 1980s. As a businessman from Ferozepur remarked, “It reminded us of the dark days of Punjab, the 1980s.”

3. Economic distress

Well-known economist Dr Lakhwinder Singh highlighted the economic distress in Punjab, which has been in decline ever since the Green Revolution of the 1960s ran its course nearly three decades ago. With high unemployment rates and a stagnating agricultural sector, people are desperate for change and willing to vote for new experiments. In the Assembly polls, they voted for "badlav (change)”. Dr Lakhwinder said the resurgence of Amritpal and Sarabjit Khalsa should be viewed as a development issue rather than a separatist problem.

4. Vote against traditional parties

Amritpal Singh initially gained attention for his anti-drug crusade and later for advocating a separate state. In these elections, voters are emphasising his anti-drug stance rather than his separatist rhetoric. His family and friends who campaigned for him avoided mentioning Khalistan. The ongoing drug crisis in Punjab, which no political party has successfully addressed, has driven voters to seek alternatives, resulting in votes against traditional parties as much as for the two candidates.

5. Sympathy for sacrifices and historical wounds

Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, who has unsuccessfully run for elections thrice, garnered voter sympathy by highlighting his lost youth due to his father’s execution for assassinating Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Many people felt indebted to his family for their perceived sacrifices for the Sikh Panth, particularly in avenging Operation Bluestar, which led to the destruction of the Akal Takht. The Akali Dal and SGPC’s focus on the 40th anniversary of Operation Bluestar has also benefited Sarabjit.

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