“Khalistani Separatist Amritpal Singh Files Nomination from Assam Jail for Punjab Seat”

In Short

• Amritpal Singh files nomination from Khadoor Sahib constituency
• Nomination filed by lawyer and relatives at District Returning Officer’s office
• Amritpal’s decision to contest influenced by ‘sangat’s’ decision, his father says

Amritpal Singh, a known figure in the Khalistani movement and currently incarcerated in Dibrugarh jail, Assam, has submitted his nomination as an independent candidate for the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha constituency in Punjab.

His nomination was facilitated by his lawyer, Harjot Singh, along with his relative Sukhchain Singh and five others, who filed the paperwork on his behalf at the District Returning Officer’s office in Khadoor Sahib on Friday.

Despite initial reluctance, Amritpal’s father, Tarsem Singh, mentioned to news agency PTI that his son was willing to contest the elections if it was the decision of the ‘sangat’ (community).

This decision underscores Amritpal’s dedication to the cause he believes in, even from behind bars.

In the event of a jailed candidate winning the election, there is a provision for their temporary release to take the oath, as administering the oath within the prison is not feasible according to legal norms.

Amritpal Singh’s stance on the Indian Constitution has been contentious. Prior to his arrest in April of the previous year, he openly expressed his lack of faith in the Constitution, asserting that his acceptance of it would be contingent upon its acceptance of him.

This statement reflects his defiance of the legal and political structures he opposes.

Arrested under the stringent National Security Act on April 23 last year, Amritpal Singh’s bid for a seat in the Lok Sabha adds a layer of complexity to the upcoming elections in Khadoor Sahib.

Scheduled for the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha elections on June 1, this constituency will witness heightened attention due to Amritpal Singh’s unconventional candidacy from his jail cell in Assam.