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Amidst heightened political tensions, separatist figure Amritpal Singh, currently incarcerated in Assam under the National Security Act (NSA), is set to enter the political arena by contesting the Lok Sabha elections as an Independent candidate from Punjab’s Khadoor Sahib constituency. His legal counsel, Rajdev Singh Khalsa, made the claim on Wednesday, asserting that Singh accepted the request to run for office in the interests of the Khalsa Panth.
Background and Political Aspirations
Amritpal Singh, the leader of the ‘Waris Punjab De’ outfit, was arrested last year in April and subsequently detained under the stringent provisions of the NSA. Despite his incarceration, Singh is positioning himself as a contender for the parliamentary seat, signaling a bold move into mainstream politics.
Legal Counsel’s Assertion
According to Rajdev Singh Khalsa, who met Singh in Dibrugarh central jail, the decision to contest the elections was made during their discussion. Khalsa emphasized Singh’s commitment to the Panthic interests, indicating his willingness to participate in the democratic process despite his current legal predicament.
Response from Family and Authorities
While Singh’s counsel and supporters express enthusiasm about his political bid, his father, Tarsem Singh, refrained from making any definitive statements until after meeting his son on Thursday. Singh’s unexpected foray into electoral politics adds a new dimension to the ongoing narrative surrounding his legal troubles and ideological stance.
Past Incidents and Criminal Charges
Singh’s arrest last year followed a series of confrontations with law enforcement, including an altercation in which his supporters clashed with police personnel at a police station near Amritsar. The ensuing legal proceedings resulted in multiple criminal charges against Singh and his associates, further complicating his political aspirations.
