Amritpal Singh, the chief of Waris Punjab De and a Khalistani leader currently imprisoned in Dibrugarh, Assam under the National Security Act (NSA), contested as an independent candidate in the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha constituency, located in Punjab.

His father Tarsem Singh and some locals conducted his proxy campaign. His candidature brought the constituency into the national limelight as he faces competition from Congress candidate Kulbir Singh Zira and SAD candidate Virsa Singh Valtoha. The winner of the Khadoor Sahib constituency will be declared following the conclusion of vote counting for the Lok Sabha elections.

Laljit Singh Bhullar from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Harpal Singh Baler from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) are among the other contenders. In Punjab, both the AAP and Congress are currently ahead in five seats each. The Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha constituency, one of Punjab’s 13 constituencies, came into existence following the 2008 delimitation and falls within the Tarn Taran district, encompassing nine assembly seats.

Amritpal Singh became leader ‘Waris Punjab De’

Since April 2023, Amritpal Singh, a Khalistani separatist and leader of the ‘Waris Punjab De’ outfit, has been incarcerated in Dibrugarh, Assam, under the National Security Act (NSA). Despite his imprisonment, he ran as an Independent candidate, with his father, Tarsem Singh, and local supporters leading his campaign. According to his father, individuals from various parts of Punjab are stepping forward independently to back Amritpal. His candidacy has drawn national attention to the constituency. He faces competition from Congress candidate Kulbir Singh Zira and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) candidate Virsa Singh Valtoha.

In his Lok Sabha election campaign in the state during 2024, Amritpal Singh highlighted the release of ‘Bandi Singhs,’ Sikh prisoners who have served their sentences. He pledged to eliminate the drug menace in Punjab as part of his campaign promises.

The election symbol of a ‘Microphone’ was allocated to Amritpal Singh. Among the total 328 contenders, including 169 Independent candidates, he was one who received an election symbol.

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