Satwant Singh, who has been nominated as candidate from Bassi Pathana.
Political activity in Punjab has begun picking up pace ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, with Shiromani Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) announcing its first candidate.
The party has named Satwant Singh as its candidate from the Bassi Pathana Assembly constituency. Satwant Singh is the son of Kehar Singh, who was convicted in the 1984 assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Party announces first candidate
The announcement was made by the party’s working president Tarsem Singh in the presence of MP Sarbjit Singh Khalsa.
Satwant Singh’s public profile is currently largely linked to his father’s name, while limited information about his political or public activities is available.
Party signals focus on panthic politics
By announcing Satwant Singh as its first candidate for the 2027 polls, Waris Punjab De appears to be laying the groundwork in Bassi Pathana with a candidate whose family background has a strong association with panthic politics.
The move could indicate the party’s intent to consolidate support among voters for whom religious and community issues hold political significance.
MP Amritpal Singh’s father Tarsem Singh announced the candidate at a press conference in Amritsar.
Kehar Singh’s name linked to 1984 assassination case
Kehar Singh was convicted in the assassination case of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. On October 31, 1984, Gandhi was shot dead by her two security personnel, Beant Singh and Satwant Singh.
Kehar Singh was accused of being part of the conspiracy behind the assassination. A court found him guilty of criminal conspiracy and sentenced him to death. He was executed at Tihar Jail on January 6, 1989.
Amritpal Singh won Lok Sabha election from jail
Amritpal Singh is one of the prominent faces associated with the Waris Punjab De organisation. He took over its leadership in 2022 and subsequently became active on panthic issues in Punjab.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Amritpal Singh contested the Khadoor Sahib seat as an independent candidate while in jail and won the election. He is currently a Member of Parliament.
Punjab Police arrested Amritpal Singh in 2023, following which he was detained under the National Security Act. He remains in jail, while his father, Tarsem Singh, is currently leading the party.
Sarbjit Singh Khalsa won Faridkot seat in 2024
Sarbjit Singh Khalsa is the elected MP from Punjab’s Faridkot Lok Sabha constituency. He contested the 2024 Lok Sabha election as an independent candidate and won the seat.
Khalsa is the son of Beant Singh, one of the two security personnel who shot former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984.
Prominent voice on panthic issues
During the 2024 election campaign, Khalsa focused on panthic issues, Sikh rights and matters concerning Punjab. His political positioning has since remained closely associated with these issues.
He is now playing a significant role in the political activities linked to Shiromani Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), with his name increasingly featuring in the party’s electoral planning.
