In a recent turn of events, Balwinder Kaur, the mother of jailed radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh, expressed that her son was not a Khalistani supporter. However, Amritpal swiftly refuted her claims. He demanded immediate release to address the critical issues he championed during the elections.
Amritpal passionately defended the dream of a Khalsa Raj, emphasizing that it was a matter of pride rather than a crime. He drew inspiration from historical figures like Baba Banda Singh Bahadar, whose unwavering commitment to the Panth transcended family ties. Amritpal’s conviction echoed through his words: “If faced with choosing between the Panth and my family, I will always choose the Panth.”
Meanwhile, celebrations erupted in Singh’s native village, Jallupur Khera, and the Khadoor Sahib parliamentary constituency. People distributed sweets to mark his oath-taking ceremony. Singh, along with Kashmiri leader Sheikh Abdul Rashid, was granted parole to be sworn in as an MP amid tight security at the Parliament complex.
Singh’s current confinement in Assam’s Dibrugarh district, under the National Security Act, adds further complexity. His mother, Kaur, expressed gratitude for the Sangat’s support and urged the government to release him promptly. She emphasized that Singh’s election promises centered on combating drug menace and securing the release of ‘Bandi Singhs.’
Kaur vehemently denied any Khalistani affiliations, asserting that advocating for Punjab’s rights and saving its youth from drugs did not equate to supporting Khalistan. She lamented that Singh was not administered oath alongside other members, but she eagerly anticipated their reunion.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Singh emerged victorious as an independent candidate, defeating Congress nominee Kulbir Singh Zira by an impressive margin of 1,97,120 votes. His outfit, “Waris Punjab De,” draws inspiration from the legacy of slain Khalistani militant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
The controversy surrounding Amritpal Singh’s oath-taking continues to captivate public attention, highlighting the delicate balance between personal convictions and public duty.(with PTI inputs)
