Pro-Khalistan separatists Amritpal and Sarabjeet lead over rivals

New Delhi: Two independents – both pro-separatist – jailed radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh Khalsa from Khadoor Sahib and Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa from Faridkot both contesting as independents is leading over their nearest rivals.

Amritpal, who is arrested and in jail in Assam is leading by over one lakh votes to his nearest rival Kulbir Singh Zira of Congress, from the Lok Sabha seat located on India-Pakistan international border in Punjab.

In his absence, his parents were campaigning for him.


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.
Sarabjeet, son of Beant Singh, one of the killers of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi also contested as independent and is leading over his nearest AAP candidate by more than 50,000 votes.

Amritpal, who was appointed as In his absence, his parents were

Similarly, Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa an independent MP from Faridkot leading over his nearest rival Karamjit Singh Anmol by over 49,000 votes.

Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) led by pro-Khalistan Simranjit Singh Mann has extended support to both the candidates.

Punjab, a Sikh majority state where anti-establishment (Centre) sentiment always finds space, most of these candidates with inclination towards separatism, added a new dimension to the multi-cornered contest in the Lok Sabha polls in Punjab.

As people felt main political players not able to address drug problems in Punjab forced them to look beyond mainstream players.