Sirasa-based Dera Sacha Sauda, headed by Gurmit Ram Rahim Insaan has announced its support for the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP combine in upcoming Punjab election.
The political wing of the dera announced the decision on Tuesday night.
The dera that has a considerable political sway over the Malwa region of Punjab, said it’s the decision of their followers.
“We never impose our will on devotees and always go by their wish. This time, the sangat (followers) wants to support the SAD-BJP,” quoted Ram Karan Insan- a member of the political wing of the dera Sacha Sauda.
Under its controversial head, Gurmeet Ram Rahim, the dera had openly supported Congress in 2007 which resulted in a massive confrontation with the Shiromani Akali Dal-led Punjab government in the following months.
The dera head was booked for hurting religious sentiments of the Sikhs May 2007 following his appearance in an attire similar to that of the tenth Sikh master Guru Gobind Singh.
Dera Sacha Sauda, Sirsa (Haryana), India. Source: Dera Sacha Sauda
There were massive clashes between the dera followers and the Sikhs throughout Punjab after the controversial act of the dera head. The dera and its followers accused the Akali Dal-led Punjab government of witch hunt.
However, the dera maintains that it’s the unanimous decision of its followers to support the alliance.
But the decision doesn’t seem to have the approval of all the dera followers.
The Tribune reports that some devotees of the dera, although unwilling to speak openly, have expressed their disapproval of the decision.
“Our deras were attacked at several places, while many premis [devotees] were implicated in false cases. The decision to extend support to the SAD-BJP has come as a big surprise to us,” a dera follower has been quoted as saying.
The dera head is facing serious criminal cases in which have been investigated by India’s top investigating agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation. Many draw a link between the dera’s decisions to support particular political parties and these cases.
When the Dera had announced its support for Congress in 2007, the party was in power in Delhi. India had a Congress-led government at the time of the 2012 Punjab election as well. But the dera did not make an open announcement to support any particular party at that time.
India’s central government is believed to have sway over the CBI.
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