Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh’s journey began in the Indian Police Service (IPS), where he joined in 1998 and was allotted the Punjab cadre. Over his more than two-decade-long police career, he earned a reputation for honesty, boldness, and professionalism. He served in several key roles, such as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Amritsar, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in various districts, including Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Tarn Taran, and eventually rose to become Inspector General of Police (IGP). His time in the Punjab Police was marked by high-profile cases and fearless action, especially during the tenure of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that he headed to investigate the 2015 sacrilege cases and the subsequent police firing incidents at Behbal Kalan and Kotkapura.
His role in pursuing justice in the sacrilege cases earned him immense respect from the Sikh community, but also brought him into conflict with powerful political interests. In April 2021, Kunwar Vijay Pratap resigned from the IPS after the Punjab and Haryana High Court quashed the SIT report, citing procedural lapses. Many perceived his resignation as an act of protest against political interference in police investigations. After leaving service, he briefly practised law and engaged in academic writing, publishing books on topics like cyber law, policing, and governance.
In June 2021, Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh took the political plunge by joining the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), aligning himself with Arvind Kejriwal’s vision of clean and accountable governance. AAP projected him as a credible face in Punjab, especially in the Malwa and Majha regions, owing to his clean image and public goodwill. In the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, he contested from Amritsar North and won decisively, defeating candidates from Congress and the BJP. He became a key legislator in the ruling AAP government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
However, as time progressed, Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh began expressing his dissatisfaction with the functioning of the government. He consistently raised issues in the Assembly related to civic infrastructure in Amritsar, contaminated drinking water, rise in drug abuse, and illegal liquor trade. Most significantly, he repeatedly demanded a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha to debate and resolve the pending issues of sacrilege and police accountability, asserting that justice in those cases was deliberately being delayed.
His independent stance brought him into direct conflict with the party leadership. He publicly criticised the “criminalisation” of AAP and the entry of “tainted politicians” from other parties, alleging that the party had begun resembling the very forces it once opposed, especially elements from Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). His remarks about the “SAD-isation of AAP” went viral and were seen as a serious internal challenge to CM Bhagwant Mann’s leadership.
In June 2025, the AAP leadership finally suspended him from the party for five years over alleged “anti-party activities.” The immediate provocation was his public criticism of AAP’s decision to arrest SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia and his broader comments challenging the credibility of the CM. Despite being suspended, Kunwar Vijay Pratap retained his MLA status, as he has not yet been disqualified under anti-defection laws.
The future of Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh remains a subject of much speculation in Punjab’s political circles. While he is no longer part of the AAP’s internal decision-making machinery, his stature as a sincere public servant and principled leader remains intact. He enjoys solid support among his constituents in Amritsar North, many of whom see him as a rare voice of integrity in today’s politics. His suspension has, in fact, earned him sympathy, with even rival political parties like Congress calling it a “badge of honour.”
There is growing speculation that Kunwar Vijay Pratap may either float his own political platform or join a party that aligns with his ideological values and commitment to justice. Some observers believe that he could emerge as a significant leader in the Majha region if he is able to bring together other dissidents and disgruntled leaders. His calls for accountability, transparency, and police reforms continue to strike a chord with many in Punjab.
He has also expressed dissatisfaction with Bhagwant Mann’s leadership and called for internal reforms in AAP. There have even been indirect suggestions from him that the party should consider replacing the CM ahead of the 2027 elections. Whether such statements are part of a broader strategy to reclaim his position in public life or a prelude to forming a new political alignment remains to be seen. Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh’s political career so far reflects the struggles of an idealist in the rough terrain of realpolitik. From being a fearless police officer who took on entrenched interests to becoming a vocal MLA who refused to toe the party line, his journey is marked by integrity, resistance, and resilience. While his future path is uncertain, it is clear that he will continue to be a significant voice in Punjab’s public discourse—whether within the Assembly or beyond it. His story is not just about politics; it is about the larger battle for justice, governance, and moral accountability in a state that continues to grapple with complex challenges.