BJP Leader The Great Khali Backs Amritpal Singh, Calls for His Release

September 17, 2026

Jalandhar: BJP leader and former WWE champion Dalip Singh Rana, popularly known as The Great Khali, has voiced support for Khadoor Sahib MP and Waris Punjab De chief Amritpal Singh, saying he should be released from jail and given an opportunity to work in politics.

Khali made the remarks ahead of the BJP’s Drug-Free Yatra, which is scheduled to begin on September 18. He said Amritpal has consistently spoken against drug abuse and claimed that he could play a role in addressing Punjab’s drug problem.

Khali Says Amritpal Should Get a Chance

Speaking about Amritpal, who is currently lodged in Dibrugarh jail in Assam under the National Security Act (NSA), Khali said he should not be viewed only through a negative lens.

Khali said Amritpal had administered ‘Amrit’, the Sikh initiation rite, to young people and encouraged them to wear turbans. He also claimed that Amritpal had worked to steer youngsters away from drug addiction.

According to Khali, these efforts should not be overlooked and Amritpal should be given an opportunity to work openly in politics.

Khali also questioned the emphasis on Amritpal’s political experience, saying that a person does not necessarily need formal political training or experience to speak the truth or work for Punjab.

He said that if a person’s intentions are honest, there is no need to spend money on publicity. Khali expressed the view that Amritpal has the ability to work for Punjab and that his release could help improve the situation in the state.

Khali Questions Punjab Government’s Freebie Policy

Khali also criticised the Aam Aadmi Party government’s policy of providing free or subsidised services.

Commenting on monthly assistance of Rs 1,000-Rs 1,500 for women, free bus services and free electricity, Khali questioned the source of funding for such schemes.

“If CM Bhagwant Mann sells his own farmland to provide free amenities to the people, then ‘free’ holds some meaning. But simply taking from one person to give to another—is that really ‘free’?” Khali said.

He said he does not support what he described as a “freebie culture” and argued that the government should instead focus on development and work for the people.

Khali also said that several foreign countries had progressed because their elections were not fought by distributing alcohol.

Khali Says He Has No Desire for Jalandhar Ticket

Speaking about his own political ambitions, Khali said he has no particular desire to enter mainstream electoral politics or seek a BJP ticket from Jalandhar.

He said several political parties had approached him in the past, but he has no interest in contesting elections or joining another political party.

Khali, who joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in February 2022, also said that a BJP government in Punjab could improve the situation in the state. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said he believes the Prime Minister is doing good work for the country.

Khali has previously spoken publicly about drug de-addiction and encouraged young people to stay away from drugs and focus on sports and fitness.