Akali Dal shies away from criticising dera

CHANDIGARH:The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) shied away from criticising Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh who was convicted in a rape case on Friday after which his followers went on a rampage in Panchkula and parts of Punjab.

SAD president Sukhbir Badal appealed to people to maintain harmony. A party press release said, “With regards to incidents of arson and violence in Malwa after the court verdict, the state government should remain vigilant and ensure such incidents do not happen elsewhere. The government should call in more paramilitary forces, if needed.”

Former CM Parkash Singh Badal could not be reached for comments. Sukhbir asked the Akali workers to form patrol parties and also ensure things do not take a violent turn.

DERA-AKALI

PAST RELATION

In 1997, the dera opened a branch at Salabatpura near Bhadaur (Bathinda) during the Akali Dal regime after it was ousted from Haryana during the Bansi Lal government.

The dera, which claims hold on at least 40 constituencies of Malwa belt, announced support for SAD during the 2012 and 2017 assembly elections.

Leaders of all political parties would visit the dera seeking its support but in the 2017 polls, the dera made public the visits of six SAD candidates, including two ministers Sikandar Singh Maluka and Janmeja Singh Sekhon.

To counter the rising popularity of the Aam Aadmi Party, Akalis made a last-ditch effort to hold their ground by seeking support from the dera.

Akali candidate from Talwandi Sabo Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu went to the extent of assuring dera followers (premis) that the party would support naam charcha (congregations by the dera) in Punjab. Dera has sought permission to hold naam charcha in Salabatpura.

In 2007, SAD’s relations with the dera hit a rough patch when the dera chief’s pictures showing him imitating Guru Gobind Singh became public.