"He (Amritpal) did not want to contest. But he said if it (contesting poll) is the decision of the 'sangat' then he would change his decision and bow before the 'sangat'," said Tarsem Singh.

Now Amritpal is believed to be considering contesting as an independent candidate, provided he is not opposed by any other Akali party, including the Shiromani Akali Dal-Badal headed by Sukhbir Singh Badal.

Singh who currently is locked up in Assam's Dibrugarh jail will contest as an Independent candidate.