Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha Polls: Radical Amritpal Singh's kin, supporters keep drug fight narrative going

The entry of jailed radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh into the poll fray as an Independent candidate from the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat on a pro-Panth, anti-drug plank has stirred the politics in this region, which borders Pakistan.

Khadoor Sahib LS comprises Amritsar-Tarn Taran-Patti areas from pro-Khalistan preacher Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale got the bulk of his recruits. This seat, known for its Panthic sentiment, is the only seat in Punjab having voters from all three regions -- Majha, Malwa, and Doaba.

Amritpal's supporters have placed Bhindranwale's posters in their offices. They have also released a manifesto promising to end the drug culture, release Bandi Singhs and ensure justice in sacrilege cases.


Along the Amritsar-Tarn Taran highway, Amritpal's supporters are running one of his several poll offices in a makeshift place in the backyard of a shop.

In the office buzzing with youngsters, Manjinder Singh, a Sikh wearing a long blue turban and white kurta with kachera, says, "Amritpal Paji's work for de-addiction is his biggest achievement."

On Amritpal being pro-Khalistani, Manjinder, in an aggressive tone says, "Go to the villages and ask those families whose children he brought out of drug addiction. For us, Amritpal is Rab (God). He talked about the rights of Punjab and Sikhs which annoys Delhi (Central government)."

At Khadoor Sahib bus stand, Rajwant Singh and his friend Sukhjinder Singh, say, "The youth are associating with Amritpal in villages and his cause to end drug culture is much needed and appreciated by all. But we don't want peace to be disturbed."

There is also a sense of cautiousness that his rise should not lead to the rise of separatism.

In Jallupur Khera, Amritpal's village, his father Tarsem Singh, a thin, tall man who is soberly dressed and sporting a white beard, reaches the village after campaigning. And youth crowd around him for a selfie.

Both his wife Balwinder Kaur and are campaigning for their son.

"It was the Sangats (devotees) who decided that Amritpal should contest, and they are campaigning for him. People are fed up with the anti-Panth and anti-Punjab stance of political parties. And, from the nexus of drug smugglers and politicians," Tarsem Singh told ET.

On Amritpal espousing separatism, Singh says his son "was fighting against drug smugglers and talked about Panth and the Anandpur resolution. Drug smugglers colluded with politicians, which led to this."

SAD (Amritsar), led by pro-Khalistan Simranjit Singh Mann, withdrew his candidature in his support. SAD has fielded Virsa Singh Valtoha, a former associate of Bhindranwale who later transitioned into politics.

Congress has fielded sitting MLA Kulbir Singh Zira, after its sitting MP Jasbir Gill opted out of the race. BJP has fielded Manjit Singh Mianwind, an SC from the general seat.

Some feel a division of Panthic votes might help the Congress. Amritpal may win or lose, but he has become the key factor in this four-cornered contest.