Ayali Announces Amritpal Singh as the CM Face for Punjab Assembly Elections

On Monday, Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali used a media gathering at the Amritsar Press Club to drop a bombshell: Amritpal Singh, the charismatic figure confined in Dibrugarh jail, is set to be the Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) face for chief minister in the coming Punjab assembly elections.

Ayali, who also serves as a senior leader of the party, was flanked by the party chief and Amritpal’s father, Tarsem Singh, as well as SAD stalwart Iqbal Singh Sandhu from Tarn Taran. When reporters asked whether the jailed politician would actually contest a seat, Ayali responded without hesitation, “The party has already decided that Amritpal Singh would be its CM face in the elections, so he will contest the assembly polls.” He stayed mum on the exact constituency, insisting that the decision rested with the party’s high command.

Amritpal’s political résumé is a mix of triumph and turbulence. In 2024 he ran as an independent from the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat, pulling off a stunning victory that surprised many analysts. Yet just weeks later, the Assam‑based Dibrugarh Central Jail became his home after he was booked for allegedly leading a siege on the Ajnala police station in April 2023.

His three‑year detention under the National Security Act (NSA) technically ran out on April 22 this year, but the Punjab and Haryana High Court upheld the state’s plea to keep him in Dibrugarh, citing concerns over public order. As of now, he remains behind bars, awaiting further legal proceedings.

The announcement has set the political winds of Punjab swirling once again. Supporters see Amritpal’s candidacy as a rallying point for youth and dissenting voices, while critics warn that fielding a leader who is still under trial could stir fresh controversy. Whatever the outcome, the upcoming assembly polls are sure to be watched closely, both inside and outside the state.