Chandigarh: Former Enforcement Directorate (ED) deputy director Niranjan Singh on Wednesday joined jailed MP Amritpal Singh-led Akali Dal Waris Punjab De here in the run-up to the 2027 Punjab election. Former DSP Balwinder Singh Sekhon also joined the outfit.They were inducted into the organisation by Amritpal’s father Tarsem Singh and Dakha MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali. Speaking to the media after joining, Niranjan Singh blamed successive state govts for Punjab’s drug problem, corruption and law-and-order issues. He praised Waris Punjab De for raising its voice against drugs and described the party as “a gathering of secular people”.“I am not a political person. I worked for the Govt of India. I never had any intention of entering politics. But the situation in Punjab has been deteriorating for quite some time. There is virtually no law and order. We have become accustomed to living with corruption, drugs, and a sense of being controlled. We have forgotten how to raise questions,” Singh said, adding that if Waris Punjab De forms govt, the aim would be to end the drug and corruption mafia.He also accused the bureaucracy and politicians of having “no sense of responsibility or accountability”, saying they all were “public servants but have started thinking of themselves as the masters.”Praising Akali Dal Waris Punjab De, he said, “These people are fighting for change and have started taking action against drugs. Anyone who has the right to speak under the Constitution should be able to express their views. The people who have raised their voice against drugs need the support of all Punjabis. This is an effort by secular people, without distinction of religion. It is a coming together of people who want to work within the Constitution. It is a coming together against corruption and the drug mafia.”He added, “I am coming forward in support. I have no personal interest in this. If we can do something that benefits Punjab, then we should.” Responding to a question on his likelihood of contesting the election, Singh said, “This decision has to be taken by the party. Contesting election is not my primary purpose to join the party. I am looking forward to make contribution using my experience.”Singh had shot into prominence while probing the money-laundering aspect of the multi-crore drug racket in Punjab in which, among others, he had questioned senior politicians.Former DSP Balwinder Singh Sekhon said, “If BJP is sincere towards Punjab, it should release Bandi Singhs, waive off farm loans and end the problem of drugs by using BSF.” Ahead of the Ludhiana West bypoll, Sekhon had joined BJP in March 2025 and contested the 2022 Punjab election from Ludhiana West as an independent but ended up losing his security deposit.
