Punjab Assembly elections: Dera Sacha Sauda, a cult that political elite bow to

BATHINDA/SIRSA: The controversial Dera Sacha Sauda with 35 lakh devotees in Punjab influences the course of state elections. The dera’s Sirsabased chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh issues a directive to followers on which party to vote and this can be a game-changer.

That’s because, the dera’s main area of influence is the Malwa region that houses 13 key districts from where the state’s political elite comes. As many as 67 of the total 117 Assembly seats are here. “Of the more than 35 lakh dera devotees, 70% are in Malwa, the rest are spread over Doaba and Majha,” a dera functionary said.

The key Malwa districts include Patiala, Bathinda, Sangrur, Ferozepur, Patiala and Faridkot, many of them power the state economy. CM Parkash Singh Badal’s constituency Lambi is in Bathinda. His rival Captain Amarinder Singh is from Patiala. Other key players such as deputy CM Sukhbir Badal and Manpreet Badal too are contesting from Malwa.

Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s spiritual hold over his followers remains undisputed despite pending cases against him and these relate to alleged grave offenses like murder. Last Sunday, during an interaction with TOI at a satsang in Sirsa, he said no candidate or party had mentioned the issue of the CBI cases. In 2007, the dera threw its weight behind Congress.

The result showed. Akali Dal was routed in its Malwa stronghold. Congress picked up 37 of the 67 seats. The stunning upset in Malwa made parties aware of dera’s power and they are pulling out all stops to secure its “blessings”. As many as 200 of them belonging to all parties have already visited the headquarters. They’ve all held meetings with Baba Ram Rahim Singh, a top cult member said.

Baba has not revealed his hand yet, sparking speculation whether he will, like the last time, come out openly in Congress’s support. The Guru has limited himself to advising those flocking to him to stop drug abuse and female foeticide.

The dera’s vote directive comes only after an elaborate process. The cult’s political wing, Sadh Sangat, gathers feedback from followers. The dera chief has the final word on who to vote for. “Our second survey to gather feedback is nearing completion,” Ram Singh, a Sadh Sangat member said.

As per rules, the decision isn’t made public and only read out to chosen followers who in turn spread the word of Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

The dera chief took questions from TOI during the satsang. These were read out on an open stage and the dera chief answered them in front of the audience. “Yes, politicians from Punjab have visited the dera and this process is still on.” As for the cases against him, he said I know I am right and all the cases registered against me are false.