Ex-Gangster Gurpreet Sekhon, Nabha Jailbreak Accused, Joins AAP in Punjab
Gurpreet Singh Sekhon, a gangster-turned-politician and key Nabha jailbreak accused, joined AAP in Punjab, fueling speculation he may contest from Zira.
In a significant political development ahead of the Punjab assembly elections, Gurpreet Singh Sekhon, a gangster-turned-politician and the main accused in the 2016 Nabha jailbreak case, has joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann formally welcomed Sekhon into the party fold at a special event held in Zira, located in the Ferozepur district. The party's Punjab unit announced the development on social media, stating that Sekhon and his supporters were drawn to the AAP's pro-people policies.
Political observers suggest that the AAP may field Sekhon as its candidate from the Zira assembly constituency. Notably, Sekhon had opened his office in the area just ten days prior to joining the party, indicating his readiness to launch an election campaign.
His entry has reportedly caused ripples within the camp of the sitting AAP MLA from Zira, Naresh Katariya. Katariya, who hails from the nearby Makhu area, holds considerable influence in the constituency. A potential switch in candidature could significantly alter the political equations in the region.
Sekhon first came into the spotlight in November 2016 following his escape during the Nabha jailbreak. He was arrested three months later in Moga and was named the main accused in the case. However, he was released on the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
In recent times, Sekhon has been active in local body politics. A few months ago, he supported two of his relatives who contested as independents in the Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections; both won with the backing of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Sekhon has also alleged that his arrest prior to those local elections was politically motivated, claiming it was orchestrated at the behest of Ferozepur Rural MLA Rajnish Kumar Dahiya.
The Zira seat has historically been an Akali Dal stronghold, but its grip weakened after the death of former MLA Hari Singh Zira. Congress's Kulbir Singh Zira won the seat in 2017, while the AAP's Katariya secured it in the 2022 elections.