Hardeep SINGH

Amritsar (April 29, Monday): Allegedly going against the sentiments of the Sikhs, Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) on Sunday fielded former MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha for upcoming parliamentary elections from Khadoor Sahib constituency instead of extending support to Waris Punjab De (WPD) chief Bhai Amritpal Singh whose candidature was already announced.

The announcement was made on party’s X handle as “Shiromani Akali Dal president S. Sukhbir Singh Badal today announced party’s core committee member and former chief parliamentary secretary S. Virsa Singh Valtoha as the @Akali_Dal_ candidate for the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha constituency. With this announcement the party has fielded party candidates on all 14 seats of Punjab and Chandigarh”.

Khadoor Sahib is a predominantly Panthic seat where the Sikh sentiments are very strong, which were delighted by the candidature of Amritpal Singh who is lodged to Dibruarh jail of Assam under the contentious law National Security Act (NSA) along with his nine aides. Since the SAD (Badal) had been raising the voice for the Sikh political prisoners including DIbrugarh NSA detainees, it was being expected that the SAD (B) would not field its candidate on this seat and directly or indirectly support Amritpal Singh, chances of whose victory is very high. However, the SAD (B) could not take this daring decision, seemingly averting the wrath of the Indian State.

After this announcement, the party is facing backlash. “Making the same mistake as happened with Bibi Khaira, Panthic vote will be bifurcated and all moderate votes will be given to AAP. Saying as an Akalis supporter (sic.)”, said a X user in reply to the announcement. 

Another user Harkrishan Singh said, “Worst decision. Bcoz of this wrong decision not going to Support @Akali_Dal_ in Amritsar Sahib. Bhai Amritpal singh nu support karne chahede. (sic.)”. 

“This has proved that Badals are not well-wishers of Panth and Sikh prisoners. On one hand, they are raising the issue of the SIkh prisoners, one the other they have created an obstacle in the way of the victory of Bhai Amritpal Singh who would be released if turns victorious.Victory of Amritpal Singh would also help release of other Sikh prisoners. Panthic votes may split with this decision of the party. Once again, Badals betrayed the Sikhs”, said a Sikh thinker, criticising Badals. 

@Satluj Network