Former Punjab Chief Minister and Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi voiced strong criticism in the Lok Sabha over the detention of Amritpal Singh, the Chief of 'Waris Punjab De' and an independent MP from Khadoor Sahib. Channi compared the current situation to an "undeclared Emergency," arguing that Singh, who was elected by 20 lakh people, is being denied his right to represent his constituents due to his detention under the National Security Act (NSA).
Amritpal Singh was arrested last year along with nine associates after a clash with police in Moga's Rode village while trying to free one of his aides. Despite his incarceration, Singh contested and won the recent Lok Sabha election from Khadoor Sahib. He was allowed a four-day custody parole earlier this month to take his oath as a Member of Parliament.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, a member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), distanced himself from Channi's remarks, focusing instead on law and order issues in Punjab. Both AAP and Congress are part of the Opposition's INDIA bloc.
Channi's comments prompted sharp criticism from the BJP. Party leader Giriraj Singh demanded clarification from Congress, accusing it of supporting Khalistani elements and stirring unrest. BJP spokesperson RP Singh criticized Congress for allegedly supporting figures who seek to divide the nation, referencing historical support for extremist elements. Union Minister Chirag Paswan also condemned Channi's remarks, emphasizing that the government would not tolerate actions against national interests.
