New Delhi: In a surprising turn of events, Amritpal Singh, a newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) from Khadoor Sahib in Punjab, has reached out to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla with a request to attend the upcoming budget session. This plea comes from within the confines of Dibrugarh jail in Assam, where Singh is currently held under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).
A Unique Victory: Winning the Lok Sabha Election from Behind Bars
Amritpal Singh, hailing from Jallupur Kheda, approximately 40 kilometers from Amritsar, leads the Waris Punjab De organization. Despite his incarceration, Singh managed to secure a remarkable victory in the Lok Sabha elections, winning by a significant margin of about 400,000 votes from the Khadoor Sahib constituency. This electoral success highlights his strong support base and the controversial nature of his political journey.
The Controversial Figure: Why NSA Was Imposed
Singh’s current predicament stems from a dramatic incident on February 23 of the previous year, when he led a massive crowd into the Ajnala police station in Amritsar. This bold move prompted authorities to issue a non-bailable warrant against him. Following a month-long manhunt, Singh was apprehended in Moga, Punjab, on April 23. His arrest and subsequent detention under the NSA are linked to allegations of supporting Khalistani ideology and posing a threat to national security.
The Budget Session: A Key Parliamentary Event
The budget session of Parliament, set to commence on July 22, is a crucial event in India’s legislative calendar. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the budget for the financial year 2024-25 on July 23. Singh’s request to participate in this session underscores the complex interplay of legal, political, and ideological elements surrounding his case.
A Letter from Jail: Amritpal’s Plea to the Lok Sabha Speaker
From his cell in Dibrugarh jail, Singh penned a letter to Speaker Om Birla, expressing his desire to fulfill his parliamentary duties despite his incarceration. This unusual request raises significant questions about the intersection of legal restrictions and democratic responsibilities for elected representatives.
As the budget session approaches, all eyes will be on the Lok Sabha’s response to Amritpal Singh’s bold request. This development adds yet another layer to the ongoing saga of a controversial political figure navigating the turbulent waters of Indian politics.
