Dera centres abuzz with activity ahead of elections

Parvesh Sharma

Tribune News Service

Sangrur,March 26

After lying low following the conviction of their chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, followers of Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda have started flexing their muscles ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, but they are not openly supporting or opposing any particular party as of now.

The dera has started its naam charcha (religious congregation) events at the district centres after months of inactivity. The followers have starting participating in these events in big numbers.

Some followers say during the weekly religious discourse no politics is being discussed, but speakers are stressing on the need to remain united. Various wings of the dera, including Shah Satnam Ji Green Welfare Force, Youth Veerangan and state committee and district committees, are busy mobilising followers to restart their social welfare works.

“Though after the dera head’s conviction, all activities had come to a standstill, things have now started improving and presently, thousands of followers have started attending district-level meetings and frequently visiting the dera headquarters in Sisra. During weekly meetings, only religious issues and the need to get united to effectively undertake social welfare works are being discussed,” said Krishan Kumar, a committee member. Besides, the followers have also started making their presence felt on social media. In WhatsApp groups, some of them are alleging that their head was implicated at the behest of politicians. “Politicians keep hatching conspiracies, but I have faith in our head and will continue to follow his directions,” said Satwant Kaur, a dera follower from Sangrur.

“Our district-level events are back on track. The followers will take a decision regarding support to a party, if need arises,” said Balraj Singh, a member of state political wing.