Name of Amritpal Singh’s new party declared amid Maghi Mela: Shiromani Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De)
While Amritpal Singh is still lodged in an Assam jail under the stringent NSA, his father Tarsem Singh attended the rally along with Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, the son of Beant Singh, one of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassins.
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In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls Amritpal Singh, contesting as an Independent, had recorded a shock victory. ( Express photo by Rana Simranjit Singh)Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh and Faridkot MP Sarabjit Singh Khalsa announced the formation of a new regional party, Shiromani Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) on the occasion of Maghi Mela in Muktsar.
While Amritpal is still lodged in Assam’s Dibrugarh jail under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), his father Tarsem Singh attended the rally along with Khalsa, who is the elder son of Beant Singh, one of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassins.
The Maghi Mela, held to honour Sikhs killed in the 1705 Battle of Muktsar against the Mughals, is one of Punjab’s biggest religious events.
“This party was established to address the pressing need for a new regional political force in Punjab, a necessity that has been strongly felt,” said a declaration read out at a rally organised on the Bathinda-Muktsar road in connection with the launch on Tuesday.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, both Amritpal and Khalsa, contesting as Independents, had recorded shock victories.
“At present, Punjab is grappling with a severe crisis. The people of Punjab, especially the youth, are facing challenges like unemployment, drug addiction, moral decline, pollution of water and air, diseases, corruption, inadequate educational and healthcare facilities, and numerous other crises,” the declaration said.
“Punjab, which once thrived on the legacy of the Gurus, is now plagued by divisions of caste, communal discord, discrimination, and a steep decline in societal and cultural values,” it added.
The declaration went on: “This has tarnished the spirit of harmony envisioned by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the Sikh Gurus, and saints who emphasised living in unity. Government apathy, lack of social security, and flawed policies have further worsened the problems of the people, making their struggles even more severe. In these challenging circumstances, Shiromani Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) aims to create a transformative vision for Punjab, rooted in the principles of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. To achieve this, we seek your cooperation and support in this new journey.”
Recently, the Faridkot police invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in a murder case in which Amritpal Singh has been named an accused. The case relates to the death of Gurpreet Singh, a YouTuber, on October 9. This is the first time that UAPA provisions have been added to a case against Amritpal.
Meanwhile, a crucial court hearing regarding the National Security Act (NSA) imposed on Amritpal is scheduled for Wednesday.
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