How parole to rape & murder convict Ram Rahim days before Haryana polls might benefit BJP

Web Staff

2 weeks ago

Gurugram: Religious leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has walked out of Sunaria jail in Rohtak on a 20-day parole, just days ahead of the Haryana assembly elections—a development, analysts say, may benefit the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, while others remain skeptical about his influence on followers.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has specified three conditions for the parole of the rape and murder convict. According to these, he must not stay in Haryana and is prohibited from engaging in any political activities. He must also not engage in campaign activities on social media. The poll body has also said his parole would be cancelled if he violates the model code of conduct or any of the three conditions.

Voting in Haryana is scheduled for 5 October, with results to be announced three days later. Due to his significant influence in 36 assembly seats in Haryana, Ram Rahim’s parole is being closely linked to the elections.

Interestingly, much before Ram Rahim’s application for a 20-day emergency parole came to light, the Dera Sacha Sauda’s state and block committee members across Haryana were mobilising followers to vote as a unified bloc for specific candidates, ensuring no division of votes. A source from the Dera revealed that meetings were being held under Dera programmes, emphasising “unity” as the key agenda.

“The sangat (followers) are being told that 100 percent votes should go to designated candidates,” the source said. Previously, despite instructions, some votes were split due to local factors, but now there is a stronger push to ensure all followers vote collectively, he added.

Even though the Dera’s political wing was dissolved post the 2017 conviction of chief Ram Rahim Singh, block committees—comprising 15 members each—have been coordinating directly with the 85-member state committee of the religious body in Sirsa. This committee reports to the overall top leadership of the Dera.