New Delhi: Recent Lok Sabha election results have stunned many, with unexpected outcomes and surprising victories, particularly in Punjab. Out of the states 13 seats, the Congress secured 7, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won 3, the Shiromani Akali Dal claimed 1, and independent candidates triumphed in 2 constituencies. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) failed to win any seats. The most talked-about victories are those of Khalistani supporter Amritpal Singh and Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, son of Beant Singh, the assassin of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. These wins have sparked concerns about a potential resurgence of separatist sentiments in Punjab.A shift in sentiments of the Sikh communityThe triumphs of Amritpal Singh from the Khadoor Sahib constituency and Sarabjit Singh Khalsa from Faridkot have raised questions about the Sikh communitys disenchantment with traditional political parties. The victories of these candidates, both with controversial backgrounds, suggest a possible shift in the political landscape.Who is Amritpal SinghAmritpal Singh, a known Khalistani supporter currently imprisoned in Dibrugarh jail in Assam, has been accused of treason and faces 16 cases, including charges under the National Security Act (NSA). Despite being behind bars, he garnered 404,430 votes in Khadoor Sahib, winning by a margin of 197,120 votes. The Khadoor Sahib seat holds significant importance for Sikhs due to its historical and religious relevance. Amritpals victory is particularly noteworthy as he managed his campaign from jail with the support of Simranjit Singh Manns Shiromani Akali Dal. His campaign focused on eradicating drug addiction in Punjab.Who is Sarabjit Singh KhalsaSarabjit Singh Khalsa, the son of Beant Singh, contested as an independent candidate from Faridkot and secured 298,062 votes, winning by 70,053 votes. He defeated AAP candidate Karamjit Anmol. Sarabjit gained attention by highlighting the 2015 desecration of the Guru Granth Sahib and campaigned on issues such as drug addiction, poor education, and unemployment. Despite his controversial lineage, he claims to have entered the political arena at the behest of the Sikh community.What does their victories signifyThe election of these two candidates has sparked concerns about a revival of separatist ideologies in Punjab. Amritpal Singhs and Sarabjit Singh Khalsas victories may indicate a growing dissatisfaction with mainstream political parties among the Sikh community. The focus now shifts to how these developments will influence Punjabs political and social landscape in the coming years.
