Gurmeet Ram Rahim Backs BJP Again
Dera Sacha Sauda Urges Followers to Vote BJP
Convicted godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim, currently serving a 20-year prison sentence, continues to influence the political landscape in Haryana through his religious cult, Dera Sacha Sauda. Despite his conviction for raping two of his disciples and two murder cases, his organization has remained loyal to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). On October 5, 2024, Dera Sacha Sauda urged its followers to vote for BJP in the ongoing Haryana Assembly elections.
This announcement came just a day after Gurmeet Ram Rahim was released on parole for the 15th time in four years, raising concerns among voters. The message was subtly delivered during a religious gathering at the cult’s headquarters in Sirsa. Unlike previous elections, where the organization openly backed BJP, this time, the message was passed quietly due to the controversy surrounding Ram Rahim’s parole just before the election. However, the allegiance of Dera Sacha Sauda to BJP remains strong, as they have always vouched for the party in past elections.
Muted Campaign Message Raises Concerns
The organization’s decision not to make a formal public announcement reflects the tension around Ram Rahim’s repeated parole approvals. At a satsang (religious gathering), one of the cult’s office-bearers told attendees to energize local booths and encouraged every follower to bring at least five additional voters from their neighborhood to the polling stations in favor of BJP. Despite the subtlety of the message, the focus remains clear: Dera Sacha Sauda is mobilizing its base to vote for BJP once again.
Political analysts see this as an indication of a mutually beneficial relationship between Gurmeet Ram Rahim and BJP, particularly considering the godman’s repeated parole approvals. His followers, numbering in the millions, could make a significant difference in tight races, giving the party a much-needed advantage in the face of rising voter dissatisfaction.
Anti-Incumbency and Rising Voter Fatigue in Haryana
The BJP, which has ruled Haryana since 2014, is facing severe anti-incumbency in the 2024 elections. The public is increasingly disillusioned with the party’s handling of various issues, including the farmers’ protests and allegations of sexual harassment against prominent party figure Brij Bhushan Charan Singh. Additionally, the controversial Agnipath scheme introduced by the BJP-led Union government sparked outrage among the youth of Haryana, a state known for its significant contributions to the Indian military.
The growing unrest among voters is becoming a challenge for BJP, especially as they attempt to counter the negative sentiment in the state. With Haryana’s voters expressing frustration over issues such as unemployment, inflation, and the perceived failure to address critical local concerns, the party’s appeal seems to be dwindling.
Congress Gains Ground with Promises of Solutions
Meanwhile, the Congress party has launched a resurgent campaign in Haryana, gaining traction with voters by promising solutions to the state’s most pressing problems. Congress leaders have pledged to introduce a minimum support price (MSP) for crops to help farmers, reduce unemployment, and combat the growing drug problem in Haryana. The party has also committed to reducing the price of gas cylinders to Rs 500, a move that has attracted significant attention.
Congress’s efforts to highlight the incumbent BJP’s failures, including allegations of supporting accused criminals and implementing anti-people policies, have resonated well with the public. With its focus on addressing local concerns, the Congress campaign seems to be gaining momentum in the face of BJP’s struggles with anti-incumbency.
Parole Controversy Clouds Ram Rahim’s Influence
While Dera Sacha Sauda’s support is a significant factor in the elections, the controversy surrounding Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s frequent parole approvals is causing an outcry from voters. Many question the timing of his parole, which coincides with key electoral moments, leading to allegations that BJP is using his influence to sway the election results in its favor.
Although the organization has not made an official statement, the quiet directive to vote for BJP remains a powerful influence on its followers. As the election continues, the impact of Ram Rahim’s backing on BJP’s fortunes will become clearer.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on publicly available news sources and does not intend to promote or defame any individual, party, or organization. The views expressed are solely for informational purposes.
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