Jalandhar, January 28, 2017: On the last day of his truncated election campaign tour of Punjab, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi visited Dera Ballan here this evening. He stayed inside the dear for about 45 minutes. Punjab Congress affairs in-charge Asha Kumari accompanied him.
Released by Congress, caption of Rahul's photos inside the Dera stated the purpose of the visit was to seek blessings of the Dera chief Sant Niranjan Dassji. However it is being speculated that it has to do with the ensuing Punjab Assembly election. The Dera has a sizeable following among the dalits in the state.
Observers feel that in public perception, the timing of visit cannot be detached from its real purpose of conveying a subtle message to dalit voters. It would not be entirely incorrect to view it as part of the Congress party's strategy to woo dalits back to its fold. Once its traditional votebank, dalits have increasingly been drifting away from the party.
The visit has also raised eyebrows because it has taken place amid increasing upraor over media reports about leaders cutting across party lines approaching various religious deras in Punjab with an eye on votes of their followers. But political leaders seem to care two hoots despite warning by Election Commission against misuse of religion, caste for votes. The apex court too has recently ordered against this electoral malpractice.