Ram Rahim parole Haryana elections
Ram Rahim Granted 15th Parole Ahead of Haryana Polls
Introduction
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the controversial religious leader, has been granted parole for the 15th time in four years. This parole comes just ahead of the Haryana state elections, raising concerns about his potential influence on the electoral process. Despite being granted parole, Ram Rahim is prohibited from entering Haryana or participating in any election-related activities, either in person or via social media. His frequent paroles have sparked widespread political debate, especially in light of his criminal convictions.
Ram Rahim’s Parole Request
On Monday, reports emerged that Gurmeet Ram Rahim had sought parole for 20 days. His request coincided with the death anniversary of his father, Maghar Singh, on October 5, the same day as the Haryana polls. Ram Rahim’s parole application specified that he intended to stay in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, which is less than 150 kilometers from Haryana. Although he is barred from entering Haryana, his proximity to the state during such a critical time has raised concerns about his potential influence.
Political Reactions
The Haryana Congress has been particularly vocal in expressing its concerns regarding Ram Rahim’s parole. The Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee sent a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, urging the authorities to consider how the religious leader’s release might violate the Model Code of Conduct. They fear his parole could sway the election results, as Ram Rahim has a significant following in Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.
BJP Accused of Political Manipulation
The parole has stirred political controversy, with allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facilitating Ram Rahim’s release to influence the Haryana elections. Robert Vadra, the husband of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, accused the BJP of using Ram Rahim to sway voters in their favor. Vadra further alleged that the recent bail granted to Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal was part of a larger strategy by the BJP to weaken Congress’s position in Haryana.
Who is Ram Rahim?
Ram Rahim, the head of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted by a CBI court in 2017 for raping two of his disciples. His criminal record is extensive, including convictions in two murder cases. In January 2019, he was found guilty of murdering a journalist over 16 years ago. Additionally, in October 2021, Ram Rahim and four others were convicted of conspiring to kill Ranjit Singh, a manager at the Dera. The religious leader is now serving life sentences for these crimes, although his frequent paroles have allowed him to spend a total of 255 days outside of prison since his initial conviction.
Legal Justification for Parole
According to a spokesperson from the Dera Sacha Sauda, Ram Rahim’s request for 20 days of parole is entirely legal. He is entitled to 91 days of temporary release within a calendar year, and having already utilized 50 days of parole and 21 days of furlough, he is eligible for the remaining 20 days. The spokesperson emphasized that if these remaining days are not used before the end of the calendar year, they will expire. This justification, however, has not allayed concerns from opposition parties or the public, who are wary of the timing of his release.
Impact on Haryana Elections
The release of Ram Rahim just days before the Haryana elections has the potential to disrupt the electoral process. With a substantial following across Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, his parole could inadvertently or deliberately sway voter sentiments. The Congress party has voiced concerns about this influence, especially considering the close proximity of his residence in Uttar Pradesh to the Haryana border during his parole period.
Conclusion
Ram Rahim’s frequent paroles have sparked significant debate, particularly in the context of his criminal record and the upcoming Haryana elections. The controversy surrounding his 15th parole highlights the potential influence of powerful religious leaders in Indian politics. Despite the legal justification provided for his temporary release, the timing of the parole ahead of the elections raises serious concerns about its impact on the democratic process in Haryana.