Pro-Khalistani separatist Amritpal Singh, Indira Gandhi assassin’s son lead in Punjab: 5 reasons why

Rather than a vote for separatism, factors such as the overkill during the hunt for Amritpal Singh and economic distress have played a role in their strong performance.

Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh who is currently in jail in Dibrugarh under the National Security Act (NSA) and Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa who is the elder son of Beant Singh, one of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's assassins, are leading in Khadoor Sahib and Faridkot respectively

The Lok Sabha elections in Punjab are likely to throw up two Independent winners, causing much consternation because of their so-called radical ideology.

Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh who is currently in jail in Dibrugarh under the National Security Act (NSA) and Sarabjeet Singh Khalsa who is the elder son of Beant Singh, one of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassins, are leading in Khadoor Sahib and Faridkot respectively. As of 1.20 pm, while Amritpal is leading by over 1.2 lakh votes, Sarabjeet’s lead is more than 58,00 votes

While it may be tempting to see a return of hardline politics in their strong performance, the reasons are much more nuanced.

1. Unresolved issues in Punjab

Punjab is faced with numerous unresolved issues, including the division of river waters per the SYL accord, justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh pogrom, and the release of Sikh political prisoners who have served over 30 years in jail. These persistent issues foster discontent and periodically lead to agitations or the emergence of self-proclaimed leaders rallying people for justice.

2. Overkill during the hunt for Amritpal

The extensive manhunt for Amritpal Singh in March and April 2023 led to the arrest or detention of over 300 youngsters, many of whom had merely interacted with him and committed no crimes. Although many were later released, there is simmering anger in the villages about the perceived injustice. Additionally, the week-long internet shutdown during the manhunt, seen as draconian, reminded many of the dark days of the 1980s. As a businessman from Ferozepur remarked, “It reminded us of the dark days of Punjab, the 1980s.”

3. Economic distress

Well-known economist Dr Lakhwinder Singh highlighted the economic distress in Punjab, which has been in decline ever since the Green Revolution of the 1960s ran its course nearly three decades ago. With high unemployment rates and a stagnating agricultural sector, people are desperate for change and willing to vote for new experiments. In the Assembly polls, they voted for “badlav (change)”. Dr Lakhwinder said the resurgence of Amritpal and Sarabjit Khalsa should be viewed as a development issue rather than a separatist problem.

4. Vote against traditional parties

Amritpal Singh initially gained attention for his anti-drug crusade and later for advocating a separate state. In these elections, voters are emphasising his anti-drug stance rather than his separatist rhetoric. His family and friends who campaigned for him avoided mentioning Khalistan. The ongoing drug crisis in Punjab, which no political party has successfully addressed, has driven voters to seek alternatives, resulting in votes against traditional parties as much as for the two candidates.

5. Sympathy for sacrifices and historical wounds

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Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, who has unsuccessfully run for elections thrice, garnered voter sympathy by highlighting his lost youth due to his father’s execution for assassinating Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Many people felt indebted to his family for their perceived sacrifices for the Sikh Panth, particularly in avenging Operation Bluestar, which led to the destruction of the Akal Takht. The Akali Dal and SGPC’s focus on the 40th anniversary of Operation Bluestar has also benefited Sarabjit.

Manraj Grewal Sharma

Manraj Grewal Sharma is a senior journalist and the Resident Editor of The Indian Express in Chandigarh, where she leads the newspaper’s coverage of north India’s most politically and institutionally significant regions. From Punjab and Haryana to Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, she oversees reporting at the intersection of governance, law, politics and society. She also reports on the diaspora, especially in Canada and the US. With a career spanning journalism across several countries, academia and international development, Manraj brings a rare depth of perspective to regional reporting. She is widely regarded as a leading chronicler of Punjab’s contemporary history and socio-political evolution, particularly its long shadow of militancy, federal tensions and identity politics. Her book, Dreams after Darkness, remains a definitive account of the militancy years and their enduring aftermath. Professional Background & Expertise A gold medalist in mass communication and a post-graduate in English literature, Manraj has a multifaceted career spanning journalism, academia, and international development. She was also awarded a fellowship by National Foundation of India and did several in-depth pieces on Manipur. Internationally, she has reported from Israel, US, UK, Myanmar, and Mauritius Her key focus areas include: Regional Politics, History, Agriculture, Diaspora, and Security. Of late, she has started focusing on Legal & Judicial Affairs: Much of her recent work involves reporting on high-stakes cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, ranging from environmental policy to civil rights. International Consulting: She previously served as a consulting editor for the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network and a publishing consultant for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila. Academia: For five years, she was the managing editor of Gender, Technology and Development, a peer-reviewed international journal at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reportage focuses heavily on judicial interventions and regional governance: 1. Environment & Governance "‘NGT can’t test legality of policy’: HC hears challenge to Punjab’s ‘Green Habitat’ plan" (Dec 22, 2025): Covering a critical legal battle over whether the National Green Tribunal has the authority to strike down a state policy regularizing farmhouses on delisted forest land. "High court pulls up Punjab poll panel over audio clip probe" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on judicial concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of local body elections. 2. Legal Rights & Social Welfare "HC issues notice to Punjab, Haryana over delay in building old age homes" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on a contempt petition against top officials for failing to establish government-run homes for the elderly as promised in 2019. "Victims can appeal acquittals in sessions court without seeking special leave" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant procedural shift in criminal law following a Supreme Court ruling. "HC upholds benefits for Punjab FCI officer acquitted in 20-year-old bribery case" (Dec 19, 2025): A report on the concept of "honourable acquittal" and its impact on employee benefits. 3. Human Rights & Identity "As Punjab denies parole to MP Amritpal Singh, HC asks it to submit ‘foundational material’" (Dec 1, 2025): Covering the legal proceedings regarding the radical preacher and sitting MP's request to attend Parliament. "Protecting life paramount: HC backs Muslim woman in live-in after verbal divorce" (Nov 6, 2025): Analyzing judicial protections for personal liberty in the context of traditional practices. Signature Beats Manraj is recognized for her ability to decode complex judicial rulings and relate them to the everyday lives of citizens. Whether it is a 30-year-old land battle in Fazilka or the political implications of Kangana Ranaut’s candidacy in Mandi, her writing provides deep historical and regional context. Contact @grewal_sharma on X manrajgrewalsharma on Instagram ... Read More