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This is an archive article published on January 14, 2025

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.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls Amritpal Singh, contesting as an Independent, had recorded a shock victory. ( Express photo by Rana Simranjit Singh)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.

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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.

Kamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts. Core Beats & Specializations Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions. National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups. Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies: 1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht "Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. "YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies. "As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications. 2. Crime & National Security "Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison. "Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border. "15 schools in Amritsar get bomb threat emails; police launch probe" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering the panic and police response to mass threats against educational institutions. 3. Political Analysis & Elections "AAP wins 12 of 15 zones in SAD stronghold Majitha" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant shift in the 2025 rural elections where the Akali Dal lost its grip on a traditional fortress. "Tarn Taran bypoll: woman faces threats after complaining to CM Mann about drug menace" (Nov 9, 2025): A ground report on the personal risks faced by citizens speaking out against the illegal drug trade in border villages. "AAP wins Tarn Taran bypoll, but SAD finds silver lining" (Nov 14, 2025): Analyzing the 2025 assembly by-election results and the surprising performance of Independents backed by radical factions. 4. Human Interest "Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims" (Nov 20, 2025): A tragic investigative piece about parents selling an infant to fund their addiction. "Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s PITEX" (Dec 8, 2025): A feature on financial independence initiatives for rural women at the Punjab International Trade Expo. Signature Beat Kamaldeep is known for his nuanced understanding of border dynamics. His reporting often highlights the "drug crisis in the underprivileged localities" (like Muradpur in Tarn Taran, Nov 9, 2025), providing a voice to marginalized communities affected by addiction and administrative neglect. X (Twitter): @kamalsbrar ... Read More

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