Khalistani and Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, infamous for his violent attack on the Ajnala Police Station using swords and ammunition, has launched a new political outfit, Akali Dal Waris Punjab De on Tuesday. Ironically, the party’s memorandum includes a significant agenda of restructuring the Punjab Police to promote humane practices and eliminate fake encounters and inhumane torture.
The memorandum underscores the imperative need for reforming the colonial-era police system, the party claims lacks welfare provisions for public and unduly stresses the junior personnel. Aiming to find inspiration in the modern Western models of policing, the proposed reorganization would further improve the lot of police employees, who suffer with long hours and systemic exploitation, among other evils.
The new party’s declaration was made during a political conference at the Maghi Mela in Muktsar on Tuesday. Amritpal has been declared the party president despite being in custody at Dibrugarh Jail on charges of sedition and the National Security Act (NSA). In his absence, a committee will oversee the party’s operations.
Independent MP Sarbjit Singh Khalsa from Faridkot, and Amritpal’s father, Tarsem Singh were present during the event. As per party leader Jaskaran Singh Kahan Singh Wala, the name Akali Dal Waris Punjab De was chosen after submitting options to the Election Commission.
A Clash of Ideologies
The new party positions itself as an alternative to Delhi-centric politics, accusing the central government of exploiting Punjab’s resources and marginalizing the Sikh community. Party leaders criticized policies they claim perpetuate the detention of Sikh prisoners and harm Punjab’s agrarian and water resources.
The rise of Amritpal’s party is likely to challenge the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), which has traditionally been considered the strongest voice for Sikh causes. The Akali Dal has lost ground in recent years due to controversies like the 2015 sacrilege incidents and the pardon given to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, which alienated its Panthic vote base.
Political analysts expect the new party to shake up the political scenario in Punjab, especially as Amritpal’s jailhouse victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has given him an edge among Panthic voters. This could further weaken the Akali Dal’s hold.
Nevertheless, other researchers note that some past attempts by politicians to make the Akali Dal Sikh-dominated and centered remain in failure due to its apparent centrism at various instances among other Akali leaders. Probably the elections in SGPC shall provide more prominent opportunities to ascertain such results.
The changing dynamics of 2027 Assembly elections will also be to the advantage of national parties such as BJP and Congress. Around 12% of Punjab’s population are migrants from other states. Uncomfort with Amritpal’s party might push these voters towards established national parties.
Before his political activities, Amritpal was the head of the organization Waris Punjab De, which was established by Punjabi actor Deep Sidhu in 2021. The group was supposed to inspire Sikh youth and revive Punjab’s cultural and spiritual ethos. Sidhu, who became infamous during the farmers’ protests and the 2021 Red Fort violence, died tragically in a road accident in February 2022. After his death, Amritpal returned from Dubai to take over the leadership of Waris Punjab De.
Amritpal won the Khadoor Sahib seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, while Sarbjit Singh Khalsa was elected as an independent from Faridkot. The launch of Akali Dal Waris Punjab De marks a significant development in Punjab’s evolving political narrative.