In a significant political and religious outreach, the head of the influential Dera Sachkhand Ballan, Sant Niranjan Dass, personally called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The primary agenda was to extend a formal invitation to the Prime Minister for the upcoming Guru Ravidas Jayanti function, scheduled to be held at the saint's birthplace in Kanshi (Varanasi) on February 1.
High-Profile Delegation and Meeting Details
The meeting, which lasted for over half an hour, was attended by a delegation of senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders from Punjab. This included BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh, former Union minister of state Vijay Sampla, and former MLA Avinash Chander. The presence of such prominent figures underscored the political importance of the engagement with the Dera, which is considered the most influential spiritual centre for the Ravidasia and Ad-dharmi communities in the region.
This marked the first time the head of Dera Ballan has called on the Prime Minister, signalling a deepening of ties. The Dera controls the management of Guru Ravidas's birthplace shrine in Kanshi, giving the invitation substantial religious weight. The delegation also reminded the PM that the 650th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas is due next year and proposed that year-long nationwide celebrations should be organized to mark the occasion.
Key Requests and BJP's Dalit Outreach Strategy
Beyond the invitation, several community-specific issues were discussed during the interaction. According to former minister Vijay Sampla, the delegation raised matters related to the Ravidas temple in Kanshi. In a notable demand, they urged the central government to name the Adampur airport after Guru Ravidas. Sant Niranjan Dass also extended a personal invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit the Dera Ballan headquarters in Jalandhar.
This high-level meeting is a clear part of the BJP's concerted strategy to woo Dalit voters in Punjab. The party has been actively reaching out to various deras (sect headquarters) associated with different Scheduled Caste communities across the state. Building a rapport with Dera Sachkhand Ballan, which holds considerable sway over a large section of voters, is a crucial step in this electoral calculus.
Strengthening Bonds and Future Implications
The meeting also highlighted the existing cordial relationship between the Dera and the Prime Minister. It was revealed that earlier this year, a special 'Ardas' (prayer) was performed at Dera Ballan for PM Modi on his birthday. This gesture, followed by the personal invitation, points to a mutual recognition of influence and a potential alignment of interests.
The outcome of this invitation and the discussions on the 650th anniversary celebrations will be closely watched. If the Prime Minister accepts the invitation to the Varanasi event or the proposed visit to Jalandhar, it could significantly boost the BJP's efforts to consolidate its support base among the Dalit communities in Punjab ahead of future electoral battles. The party's keen focus on these deras underscores their pivotal role in the state's complex socio-political landscape.
