3 weeks ago
Indira Gandhi Assassination Convict's Son to Contest 2027 Punjab Polls
A political party in Punjab, India, is getting ready for the state's next big election in 2027.
The party is called Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), and its leader is a jailed politician named Amritpal Singh.
They have chosen their first candidate, a 61-year-old retired bank worker named Satwant Singh.
Satwant Singh's father, Kehar Singh, was found guilty in the assassination of India's former Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, and was executed in 1989.
Indira Gandhi was killed in 1984 by two of her own bodyguards.
The party says it wants to protect the rights of Punjab and honour families tied to past sacrifices.
Some critics said the party was ignoring those families, but the party says choosing Satwant Singh proves otherwise.
Amritpal Singh, who is in jail, will run as the party's choice for chief minister.
He won a seat in Parliament as an independent in 2024.
This story shows how complicated politics in India can be.
Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) announced Satwant Singh, son of Kehar Singh, as its first candidate for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections from Bassi Pathana.
Kehar Singh was convicted as the mastermind of the 1984 assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and was hanged along with bodyguard Satwant Singh on January 6, 1989.
Satwant Singh, 61, a retired bank official and resident of Mustafabad village, will make his electoral debut from Bassi Pathana in Fatehgarh Sahib district.
Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali said jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh will contest the polls as the party's 'CM face.'
Amritpal Singh, detained under the National Security Act since April 2023, won the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat as an independent in 2024.
- Who
- Satwant Singh, 61, son of Kehar Singh and a retired bank official, fielded by Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De); jailed MP Amritpal Singh is the party's 'CM face.'
- What
- The party announced Satwant Singh as its first candidate for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections from the Bassi Pathana constituency.
- Where
- Bassi Pathana constituency in Fatehgarh Sahib district, Punjab, India.
- When
- Announced in August 2026 ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections; reports differ, citing Monday, August 10, and Wednesday, August 12.
- Why
- The party says its politics is based on Panthic principles and protecting Punjabi rights, and it wants to honour families linked to sacrifices for the community.
Critics
Waris Punjab De
Ties to families of past sacrifices
Critics
Critics alleged the party was distancing itself from families linked to past sacrifices for the community.
Waris Punjab De
The party said nominating Satwant Singh, Kehar Singh's son, serves as direct proof that it remains committed to those families and their dignity.
Key facts
- Party
- Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De)
- Candidate
- Satwant Singh, son of Kehar Singh
- Age and profile
- 61; retired bank official, resident of Mustafabad village
- Constituency
- Bassi Pathana, Fatehgarh Sahib district
- Election
- Punjab Assembly elections 2027
- Kehar Singh
- Convicted in the 1984 Indira Gandhi assassination; hanged on January 6, 1989
- CM face
- Jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh
- Amritpal Singh
- Detained under the National Security Act since April 2023; won Khadoor Sahib in 2024 as an independent
Quotes
Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) spokesperson
Party spokesperson highlighting commitment to honour families involved in community sacrifices
“Satwant Singh’s nomination serves as direct proof that we are not distancing ourselves from families linked to past sacrifices.”
wionews.com
Sources
Waris Punjab De to field Indira Gandhi assassination convict’s son from Bassi Pathana in 2027 polls
Punjab polls 2027: Indira Gandhi assassination convict’s son to contest from jailed MP Amritpal Singh’s party
Waris Punjab De's Big Bet, BJP's Amarinder Play And More: The 2027 Poll Chessboard | News18
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