In Punjab fray, buzz grows: Can Amritpal Singh contest polls from Malwa, Majha

Amritpal Singh, the chief of the Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) party and a member of the Indian Parliament from Khadoor Sahib, is reportedly considering contesting the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections from both Malwa and Majha regions. Currently serving a jail term in Assam for the Ajnala police station attack case, Singh has asserted his intention to contest from Khadoor Sahib, which falls within his parliamentary constituency.

The Akali Dal is exploring multiple options in Malwa, with the chief ministerial candidate Bhagwant Mann in Dhuri being a potential target. Insider Gangveer Rathour stated that Amritpal has garnered significant support across both regions, making him the only leader capable of contesting from both Majha and Malwa. This move, if realized, would be unprecedented in Punjab politics, where leaders have typically remained rooted in their home regions.

Historically, the last significant political figure from Majha was Pratap Singh Kairon, who served as Chief Minister in the 1950s and 1960s. Since then, every Chief Minister has originated from Malwa, which holds a majority of the state's 117 Assembly seats. Amritpal's potential candidacy from Majha has been highlighted by the party as the first Majha-born leader in decades who could appeal to voters in Malwa as well.

Other potential contenders from Majha include Congress leaders Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Partap Singh Bajwa, though neither has been officially recognized by the party. The party's spokesperson, Jaskarn Kahan Singh Wala, confirmed that all options are currently on the table, including a direct contest against Mann, Sukhbir Singh Badal, or a seat in Talwandi Sabo.

The decision is expected to have a significant impact on the state's political landscape for the upcoming elections in February 2027.