Bhagwant Mann Seeks Parole for Beant Singh Assassin, Signaling Political Shift

In a surprising move, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has formally requested Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to grant a 10-day parole to Jagtar Singh Hawara, a convict in the 1995 assassination of former CM Beant Singh. This unprecedented appeal, citing Hawara's 81-year-old ailing mother on humanitarian grounds, marks a significant U-turn for Mann, who has previously taken a tough stance against elements associated with extremism in Punjab. The timing of Mann's intervention is highly charged, coming just months before the 2027 assembly elections in Punjab and amid his ongoing tussle with the Akal Takht, which recently declared him 'Guru Dokhi' over the new anti-sacrilege law. Hawara, also recognized as a parallel Jathedar of Akal Takht by a Sarbat Khalsa, holds significant emotional resonance within certain Sikh community sections. This appeal is seen as a strategic bid by the Aam Aadhu Party to address long-standing demands for the release of 'Bandi Singhs' and to regain favour with Sikh voters, particularly as Panthic issues regain prominence in state politics. With the Punjab and Haryana High Court already directing authorities to consider Hawara's parole plea, the Governor's decision is now under intense scrutiny, balancing legal precedent, humanitarian concerns, and potent political implications. The outcome will not only impact Hawara's immediate future but also significantly shape the political narrative and electoral dynamics in Punjab, testing the AAP ability to navigate the complex interplay of governance, religious sentiment, and electoral aspirations.