Former WWE wrestler and BJP leader Dalip Singh Rana, popularly known as The Great Khali, has spoken in support of Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, calling for his release from jail and saying he should be given an opportunity to work in politics.
Khali made the remarks in an interview with a news channel ahead of the BJP’s ‘Drug-Free Punjab’ campaign, scheduled to begin on September 18 and his comments have added a fresh political angle to the debate around Amritpal, who is currently detained in Dibrugarh Jail in Assam under the National Security Act (NSA).
Speaking about Punjab’s drug problem, Khali said Amritpal had raised his voice against drug abuse and worked to guide young people away from addiction.
Khali specifically referred to Amritpal’s efforts to administer ‘Amrit’ to young people and encourage them to wear turbans. He said such work should not be ignored while discussing Amritpal’s role in Punjab, and talking about it he also argued that Amritpal should not be viewed only through the negative aspects associated with him. He said people should also consider the work he claims to have done among the youth and give him an opportunity to work in politics.
According to Khali, Amritpal did not get sufficient time to work openly in politics before being sent to jail, and questioned why only negative aspects of Amritpal’s public image are repeatedly discussed and said he should be given a chance to prove himself politically.
Khali was also asked about Amritpal’s political experience and whether he had the background required to work in politics and responding to this, Khali said a person does not necessarily need formal political training or extensive political experience to speak the truth or work towards bringing change in Punjab. He said that if a person’s intentions are genuine, there is no need to spend large amounts of money on publicity.
Khali expressed confidence in Amritpal’s ability to work for Punjab and said that if he were released from jail, the situation in the state could improve.
Amritpal Singh, who won the Khadoor Sahib Lok Sabha seat in the 2024 general election, has been detained under the NSA and his detention and political activities have remained subjects of debate in Punjab.
During the same interaction, Khali also criticised the Aam Aadmi Party government’s policy of providing free services and financial benefits.
Referring to measures such as free electricity, free bus travel for women and financial assistance, Khali questioned how these schemes are funded and he argued that simply taking resources from one section and providing benefits to another should not automatically be described as ‘free’.
Khali said that if Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann were to sell his own farmland to fund such facilities, then he would consider the term ‘free’ more meaningful.
He also said Punjab needs to focus on development and work rather than remaining dependent on freebies. Khali referred to other countries and said elections there are not won by distributing alcohol or relying on such practices.
Despite being a BJP leader, Khali said he currently has no particular desire to enter mainstream electoral politics.
He stated that he does not want a BJP ticket from Jalandhar and has no specific interest in contesting elections and according to Khali, several political parties have approached him, but he has not expressed a desire to join a party or seek an election ticket.