With the issue of Bandi Singhs (imprisoned Sikhs) once again dominating Punjab’s political discourse ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, the Congress has asserted that the party has never opposed the release of Sikh prisoners.
Former Congress MLA Gurkirat Singh Kotli, grandson of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh, made a significant statement during a rally in Khanna. “The entire family of Beant Singh will never be an obstacle to the release of Bandi Singhs .
Kotli said that the entire Beant Singh family would never become an obstacle to the release of Bandi Singhs and was even willing to formally consent. If our word is required for their release, we are ready to give it in writing that we have no objection to the release of Bandi Singhs ,” Kotli said.
Former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi also echoed the same position, stating that the Congress had never stood in the way of the release of Sikh prisoners. His remarks are being seen as an attempt by the party to connect with Sikh sentiments at a time when the issue has regained political momentum across Punjab. The renewed Congress stance comes amid increasing competition among Punjab’s major political parties over the emotionally charged issue of Sikh prisoners. The Aam Aadmi Party has repeatedly raised the matter with the Centre, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann recently meeting Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and pressing for the release of Sikh prisoners.
