Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Dera Sachkhand Ballan near Jalandhar isn’t just about paying respects—it’s a political statement, too. He’s heading there for Guru Ravidass’s 649th birth anniversary, a huge event, especially Dalits in Punjab’s Doaba region. And the timing? It lands just a year before the state elections. Dalits make up almost a third of Punjab’s population – the highest percentage in India and in Doaba, they account for about 45 per cent. That’s a massive chunk of voters, enough to swing a lot of constituencies.
Modi’s visit follows the recent Padma Shri honour for Sant Niranjan Dass, the dera’s current head. Niranjan Dass isn’t just a religious leader; he’s led the dera since 1994, survived the 2009 Vienna attack that killed his deputy and earned deep respect for his charity work and steady leadership. Political parties know how much influence he holds – everyone from Congress to AAP, SAD and BSP has tried to win his support over the years.
For the BJP, this visit matters because the party has always struggled to stand on its own in Punjab, usually playing second fiddle to the Shiromani Akali Dal. When that alliance broke over the farm laws in 2020, the BJP found itself out on a limb, trying to build its own base. Now, they’re reaching out directly to the Ravidassia community, hoping to shore up Dalit support and gain ground in a region where the dera’s word carries a ton of weight.
Leaders from every party make a beeline for Ballan. Congress, AAP, SAD, BSP – they all know the dera moves votes. In the 2022 elections, even with the AAP surge, Congress held steady in Doaba, taking 10 seats, matched by AAP. The BJP, SAD and BSP barely made a dent, each winning just one seat. That’s the reality: if you don’t have strong backing from the community, you’re not breaking through.
The BJP sees Modi’s visit as a chance to change the narrative. Insiders say he could announce that Adampur airport will be named after Guru Ravidass – a move sure to strike a chord with the community. Notably, Dera Sachkhand Ballan, founded in 1895 by Sant Pipal Das, is more than just a religious spot. It’s a powerhouse institution, with each leader building on the last – temples, hospitals, schools, training centers, all rooted in Guru Ravidass’s message of equality. Under Sant Niranjan Dass, the dera keeps pushing for Dalit upliftment, both socially and economically.
So, Modi’s visit isn’t just another religious stop. It’s a calculated move to connect with a community central to Punjab’s political future. With Union Home Minister Amit Shah also likely to hold a rally in February, it’s clear the BJP is gearing up to make a serious push in Punjab – using faith and symbolism to try and win hearts and votes.
