The family members and supporters of jailed Khalistani supporter Amritpal Singh on Tuesday announced the formation of a new party, Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De). Through this step, Amritpal Singh has clearly tried to appeal to the Panthic vote bank of Punjab.
Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De): A New Beginning
- It is clear from the name of the party that its focus is on Panthic voters.
- This step has been taken at a time when Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is in a weak position.
- The party is facing a leadership crisis after Sukhbir Singh Badal stepped down as president and Prakash Singh Badal died.
- Harsimrat Kaur Badal is in the role of MP, but her influence in the party is limited.
- In these circumstances, Amritpal Singh is trying to give a new option to Panthic voters.
Congress’s expectations increased
Congress, which was voted out of power in the 2022 assembly elections, is likely to benefit from the formation of this new party.
- Congress believes that due to the weakness of Akali Dal, the Panthic vote which Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had got, may now get divided.
- If Amritpal’s party gets the support of Panthic voters, it will cause direct loss to AAP.
- Congress state president Amarinder Raja Vading said, “It is too early to say what effect this will have, but the political ground of Akali Dal has definitely weakened.,
Political analysis and prospects
- Impact on AAP:
- A large part of Shiromani Akali Dal’s Panthic voters had shifted to AAP in 2022.
- Now Amritpal’s party can snatch this vote bank, which will reduce the vote percentage of AAP.
- Congress has an edge:
- Congress may gain advantage in electoral mathematics due to division of sectarian votes.
- The emergence of leaders like Simranjit Singh Mann and Amritpal Singh may create a new situation of polarization in the politics of Punjab.
- Shiromani Akali Dal’s reaction:
- Sukhbir Badal alleged that this new party has been formed to weaken the Akali Dal.
- He called it a direct attack on Akali politics.
Challenges and concerns of the new party
- Possibility of Extremism:
- Leader of Opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa warned that if the new party moved towards extremism, Punjab would face new problems.
- Punjab is already struggling with the crisis of drugs and law and order.
- Impact on Lok Sabha elections:
- The performance of this new party in the Lok Sabha elections to be held in 2024 can change the equations of all the parties.
- Especially in Faridkot Lok Sabha seat, where leaders like Sarabjit Singh Khalsa have already made headway on the religious agenda.
- Religious basis:
- Amritpal Singh’s statement, “Will strengthen Akali politics again,” makes his party’s priority clear.
- However, it remains to be seen whether the party remains limited to only Panth voters or succeeds in building a wider base.
Future Politics: What will happen in Punjab?
The formation of Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) can bring a new turn in the politics of Punjab.
- AAP will suffer loss due to division of votes.
- Congress may get a chance to regain its lost ground.
- Shiromani Akali Dal can prepare new strategies to maintain its relevance.
- The new party adopting a communal or extremist stance could become a threat to the peace and security of Punjab.
