Ram Rahim in Jail, politicians wary of Dera voter

For several elections in the past, the ‘all-powerful’ Dera Sacha Sauda held sway over voters in several states including Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

It’s diktat of sorts to its countless followers to vote in favour or against a party or a candidate would often determine the outcome of the polls, which is why in every poll politician’s across party lines would make a beeline to seek the ‘blessings’ of the Sect chief.

This time around, the Sect wears a ‘near-deserted look’. White pyjama-kurta clad netas are nowhere to be seen around the sect in Sirsa or elsewhere. Its chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim is in jail serving a 20-year term for rape of two women, besides a life term for the murder of a journalist.

But, leaders across party lines, both in states of Punjab and Haryana, are wary of the ‘silent voter’ of the beleaguered Dera Sacha Sauda. They are unsure which way people still owing allegiance to the sect may vote.

Despite the doomed fortunes of the Sect, there are still a sizable number of Sect followers who, overtly or clandestinely, still owe their commitment to the convicted chief. The conviction and the killings by the police of 40 Dera followers who indulged in widespread violence and arson on Judgement day had left a palpable dislike among followers against politicians and the establishment.

The sect’s core team is wiped off. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s adopted daughter Honeypreet, who controlled much of Sect activities, is behind bars facing sedition and other charges. Dera chief’s trusted soldier, Dr Aditiya Insan, an ophthalmologist, is now a proclaimed offender wanted by law.

The Akal Takht, the highest temporal sect of Sikhism, has threatened boycott of any politician who seeks Dera votes. But given that even a far reduced number of followers of the Dera, or whatever remains of it, could prove crucial in a high-stake election, politicians may prefer some sort of clandestine arrangement to reach out to followers. Is it already showing?

The state BJP president has said his party is not averse to seeking Dera votes. Punjab Congress minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsoot too is not opposed to Dera votes. Congress chief Sunil Jakhar and SAD chief Sukhbir Badal however have said no to Dera votes.