### Khalistani Sympathisers' Election Victories Stir Concerns in Punjab
The recent election victories of Khalistani sympathizers Amritpal Singh and Sarabjit Singh Khalsa have caused significant unease in Punjab, a state that endured a long and painful insurgency before achieving peace. Despite only two out of the twelve Khalistani sympathizers who contested the Lok Sabha elections winning, their victories could potentially embolden separatist groups and create disquiet in the region.
#### Key Election Outcomes
- **Amritpal Singh**: Chief of 'Waris Punjab De', Amritpal Singh won the Khadoor Sahib seat with the largest margin in the state—197,120 votes. His victory has brought him back into the spotlight, with his supporters rallying around his controversial stances.
- **Sarabjit Singh Khalsa**: He won from Faridkot by 70,053 votes, further solidifying the presence of Khalistani sympathizers in the political landscape.
#### Impact on State Stability
The victories of Amritpal and Sarabjit Singh Khalsa are not confined to their constituencies. Their success could disrupt the fragile peace that Punjab has worked hard to restore after decades of insurgency. The celebration of their victories by hardliners, including pro-Khalistan slogans and rallies, underscores the potential for renewed tension.
#### Assembly Bypolls and Future Influence
The Khalistani sympathizers plan to contest the upcoming Assembly polls, which could further extend their influence. The political climate could become increasingly volatile if more hardliners secure electoral victories.
#### Factors Behind the Victories
- **Amritpal Singh**: His narrative of promoting Sikhism, fighting drug addiction, and the perceived injustice of his detention under the National Security Act (NSA) helped him gain significant support. His campaign was reportedly funded by the banned terrorist organization ‘Sikhs For Justice’.
- **Sarabjit Singh Khalsa**: He capitalized on issues such as the release of former Khalistani terrorists, unresolved sacrilege cases, and the Behbal Kalan firing incident. His background as the son of Indira Gandhi's assassin also added to his political appeal among certain voter segments.
#### Challenges for Mainstream Parties
Mainstream political parties and security agencies are worried about the growing political presence of extremist elements. The BJP and Congress, in particular, face the challenge of addressing the concerns of the electorate while countering the narratives propagated by Khalistani sympathizers.
#### Controversial Manifestos and Campaign Promises
Amritpal Singh’s campaign manifesto, which went viral on social media, included promises to:
- Close all barber shops, beauty parlors, meat, liquor, and tobacco shops.
- Ban various religious sects and organizations, including Radha Swami Satsang, Nirankari Mission, churches, and mosques.
- Train Sikh youths in the latest weapons.
Although Amritpal's father denied that he issued such a manifesto, the promises resonated with a segment of the electorate.
#### Double Standards and Future Governance
The elected Khalistani sympathizers will now face the paradox of swearing allegiance to the Indian Constitution, which they have previously expressed no faith in. All eyes are on whether Amritpal Singh will be released from jail to take the oath of office, as there is no provision for administering the oath in jail.
### Conclusion
The election victories of Amritpal Singh and Sarabjit Singh Khalsa represent a significant moment for Punjab's political landscape, potentially destabilizing the hard-won peace in the state. Their success underscores the need for mainstream parties and security agencies to address the underlying issues that resonate with the electorate while ensuring that extremist elements do not gain further ground. The upcoming Assembly by-polls will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of Punjab's political environment.
