Gurmeet Ram Rahim, currently serving a sentence for rape and murder, has been granted parole for 20 days, allowing him to temporarily leave prison. With his release, questions arise regarding why the Dera Sacha Sauda leader is frequently granted parole and furlough during electoral periods in Punjab and Haryana.
In the past seven years, the Dera chief has left prison 15 times, spending over 259 days outside. Notably, he secured parole during elections for the Legislative Assembly, Lok Sabha, or Panchayat. This pattern suggests a political motive, with the BJP allegedly orchestrating his releases strategically for elections in Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan. BJP leaders, however, claim these releases align with jail manual provisions and coincide with election periods purely by chance.
When Did Ram Rahim Receive Parole?
Questions Arise Post-Parole
The consistent granting of parole and furlough to Gurmeet Ram Rahim prompts inquiries about Dera's political influence, particularly in how its followers might sway Haryana voters. Let's analyze this scenario step by step.
Dera's Influence Across 6 Haryana Districts
It is essential to understand that Dera Sacha Sauda commands significant followers in six Haryana districts: Fatehabad, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Sirsa, Karnal, and Hisar. The influence of Dera followers is palpable in at least 26 Assembly constituencies across Haryana. Fatehabad tops the list with districts like Tohana, Ratia, and Fatehabad heavily swayed by Dera's adherents.
Dera's 38 Branches, With 21 in Haryana Alone
Sources indicate that Dera's followers number around 12.5 million. Of its 38 branches, 21 are concentrated in Haryana. Despite its religious stance, Dera carries political aspirations and has launched a political branch managed by Gurmeet Ram Rahim. Historically, the sect has allied with political outfits like Shiromani Akali Dal, BJP, and Congress.
Millions Belong to Dera's Faith
Political analyst Professor Gurmeet Singh asserts that there is no doubt about the millions of Dera adherents in Haryana influencing elections to some extent. The largest base lies in Fatehabad district, where followers can affect areas like Tohana, Ratia, and Fatehabad. Recently, numerous leaders have been noted visiting the Dera chief.
Opposition Questions Parole Grant
Meanwhile, several political entities including the Congress, Sikh organizations, and Shiromani Akali Dal, along with victim families, have petitioned the Election Commission to revoke the parole granted to Gurmeet Ram Rahim, citing violations of the code of conduct. Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Shiromani Akali Dal spokesperson and senior general secretary, expressed deep concern, highlighting the repeated parole grants to a convicted rapist and murderer. The perception of bias against imprisoned Sikhs further fuels grievances as they receive short term releases, while Dera's leader enjoys extended parole. Anshul Chhatrapati, son of deceased journalist Ramchandra Chhatrapati, also challenged the parole decision, fearing it might skew electoral results.
Political Impact of Dera in Haryana
The political influence of Dera Sacha Sauda extends beyond its upper caste followers, reaching into the backward caste demographics, though Dalit inclusion is minimal. Analysts note a generic vote split between Congress and BJP among upper caste voters in Haryana. Nonetheless, backward caste adherents tend to follow direcive cues from Dera's leadership. Both BJP and Congress refrain from antagonizing the Dera congregation. During election campaigns, leaders from both parties visited the Dera community. Notably, Gurmeet Ram Rahim's son is married to Congress leader and former MLA Harminder Singh Jassi.
Historical Political Support by Dera
In the 2007 Punjab Assembly elections, Dera declared its support for Congress. In 2014, it backed BJP during Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Additionally, in the 2015 Delhi elections, Dera publicly sided with BJP, extending its support once more in Bihar's elections later that year. It is estimated that approximately 3,000 followers campaigned for BJP in Bihar.
