Amritpal Singh, a Khalistani separatist currently incarcerated in Assam's Dibrugarh jail, submitted his nomination as an independent candidate for the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha constituency on Friday. The nomination was filed by his lawyer, Harjot Singh, his relative Sukhchain Singh, and five others on his behalf at the office of the District Returning Officer in Khadoor Sahib.
Initially hesitant to contest the elections, Amritpal's father, Tarsem Singh, mentioned that his son was open to the decision of the 'sangat' (community). If it was the community's wish for him to contest, he would respect their decision.
In case a jailed candidate like Amritpal Singh wins the elections, they can be released from jail to take the oath, as administering the oath within the prison is not feasible under current provisions.
Before his arrest in April of the previous year, Amritpal Singh had openly expressed his disbelief in the Indian Constitution, asserting his democratic right to hold such views. He stated that his acceptance of the Constitution would be contingent upon its acceptance of him.
Amritpal Singh was arrested under the National Security Act on April 23 of the preceding year.
The elections for the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha constituency are scheduled for the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha elections on June 1.
