Chandigarh, May 30
In his first major engagement after taking charge as Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon paid a courtesy visit to the revered head of Radha Soami Satsang Beas, Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon. The meeting, held at the Dera headquarters near Beas, was officially described as a gesture of respect, with Dhillon seeking Baba Ji’s blessings for the progress and prosperity of Punjab. Yet, the timing and symbolism of the visit point to a deeper political strategy.
The Radha Soami Dera commands immense influence across Punjab, with lakhs of followers who often look to the spiritual leadership for guidance. Political parties have historically sought the goodwill of the sect, recognizing its ability to shape voter sentiment. Dhillon’s immediate outreach underscores the BJP’s intent to engage with influential religious and social institutions as part of its broader social engineering ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
This is not the first time the Dera has figured prominently in political equations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself visited Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon in the past, acknowledging the sect’s spiritual stature and social reach. The Dera head has also convened courtesy meetings with the Prime Minister in Delhi, signaling a mutual respect between the country’s highest political office and one of Punjab’s most influential spiritual institutions. Dhillon’s visit, therefore, can be seen as a continuation of the BJP’s effort to build bridges with the Dera, reinforcing the party’s outreach at both national and state levels.
For the BJP, which has traditionally struggled to expand its footprint in Punjab’s complex political terrain, Dhillon’s leadership offers a fresh opportunity. A former Congress stalwart from Barnala, his elevation as state president provides the party with a Sikh face and seasoned political experience. By aligning with respected spiritual voices, Dhillon seeks to soften the BJP’s image and broaden its appeal beyond its core urban Hindu base.
As Punjab enters the politically charged run‑up to 2027, Dhillon’s gesture is more than ceremonial. It signals the BJP’s willingness to recalibrate its approach, engage with influential institutions, and leverage spiritual networks to script a stronger performance. The visit to Radha Soami Beas may well mark the beginning of a series of strategic outreach efforts designed to reshape the party’s prospects in Punjab.
