From Dubai dispatcher to Indian Parliament: the rise of Amritpal Singh
In short: Once a mechanical engineering dropout working in Dubai's transport sector, Amritpal Singh has rapidly transformed into a powerful political and religious figure. His sudden emergence in Punjab has ignited intense debates over sovereignty, religious revivalism, and the controversial methods used to mobilize the youth.
Amritpal Singh Sandhu's political ascent is deeply intertwined with his religious transformation. After a decade in Dubai working in the transport industry, he returned to Punjab in September 2022. He underwent a visible religious shift, adopting a flowing beard and turban, and was baptized at Anandpur Sahib. This culminated in a dastarbandi ceremony in Moga, which served as his inauguration as the leader of the Waris Punjab De organisation.
His platform focuses on two main pillars: the pursuit of a sovereign Sikh state called Khalistan and a radical anti-drug campaign. Singh has urged youth to abandon 'irreligious' lifestyles and seek baptism. While his efforts to combat drug addiction—a significant issue in Punjab—received praise from some religious authorities, they have also drawn intense scrutiny. Indian security agencies have accused him of using drug rehabilitation centers as fronts to store smuggled weapons and recruit for his private militia, the Anandpur Khalsa Fauj.
The controversy surrounding Singh is multifaceted. He has faced accusations of hate speech regarding remarks about Jesus Christ and has been accused of orchestrating online harassment against women. Furthermore, his methods have led to direct confrontations with law enforcement. In February 2023, his supporters used the Guru Granth Sahib as a shield to storm a police complex, a tactic condemned by Sikh clergy. Despite these tensions, his political influence has grown, leading to his election as a Member of Parliament for the Khadoor Sahib constituency in 2024.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Amritpal Singh
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