BJP's Strategic Outreach to Ravidassia Community in Punjab Faces Scrutiny
In what is being widely interpreted as a calculated political maneuver aimed at the influential Ravidassia community, the Bharatiya Janata Party has initiated a series of significant overtures in Punjab's crucial Doaba region. These efforts include the prestigious Padma Shri award conferred upon Sant Niranjan Dass, the revered head of Dera Sachkhand Ballan, and the scheduled visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Dera on February 1st to mark the 649th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas.
Political Calculations and Community Response
However, a senior Punjab BJP insider has revealed that the anticipated "reciprocity" and "immediate response" from both the community and the Dera leadership have been conspicuously absent. Speaking anonymously just two days before the Prime Minister's visit, the leader expressed disappointment at the lack of visible acknowledgment following the Padma Shri announcement.
"Not even a single hoarding thanking the government has been put up after the Padma Shri was conferred on the Dera chief," the BJP leader stated. "The sangat (congregation) is already en route to or has reached Begumpura in Varanasi, which serves as the epicenter of the anniversary celebrations. While Sant Niranjan Dass is undoubtedly a saintly figure, there should have been some expression of delight and gratitude for the honor."
Comparative Analysis with Previous Outreach Efforts
The leader characterized these moves as a deliberate "outreach attempt" by the party, drawing a pointed comparison with previous initiatives. "Take the case of the Kartarpur Sahib corridor—there was a clear, visible response from the Sikh community. That response is missing here," he noted, highlighting the contrasting receptions to different community-focused initiatives.
He further elaborated on the political implications, describing it as "a million-dollar question for the BJP." Despite the Prime Minister's planned visit, airport renaming ceremony, and participation in anniversary events, the leader observed that "the reciprocity is missing," suggesting deeper "psychological impediments" between the Ravidassia community and the BJP.
Political Preferences and Community Mindset
Explaining the underlying reasons for this political distance, the saffron party leader outlined the established preferences within the Ravidassia community. "The first preference of the Ravidassia community is the BSP, second Congress, and third we can say Akali Dal. BJP is at the bottom," he revealed. "It is their mindset. There is a barrier. BJP is yet to cross that barrier, yet to cross that Rubicon."
Interestingly, the leader noted a different trend within broader Dalit communities, stating that "Mazhabi Sikhs are getting attracted to the BJP" and actively expressing willingness to align with the party. However, regarding the Ravidassia community specifically, he admitted "we will have to go miles." While acknowledging that "BJP has made a beginning," he emphasized that "key results are awaited" and the immediate response remains elusive.
Demographic Significance and Political Context
Punjab's demographic landscape adds considerable weight to these political calculations. The state boasts a 32% Scheduled Caste population—among the highest percentages nationwide. In the Doaba districts of Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, and Nawanshahr, this Dalit share rises to approximately 37%, with about 61% of these belonging to the Ravidassia community. Dera Sachkhand Ballan's substantial influence is predominantly concentrated within this belt, though the Dera maintains a consistent policy of not publicly endorsing any political party despite frequent visits from leaders across the political spectrum.
BJP's Broader Punjab Strategy
This outreach forms part of the BJP's larger strategy to expand its standalone base in Punjab following the dissolution of its two-decade alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal in September 2020, primarily over farm laws disputes. Despite failing to secure any of Punjab's 13 Lok Sabha seats in the 2024 elections, the party achieved a notable increase in vote share—nearly doubling from 9.6% in 2019 to 18.5% in 2024.
The party is also strategically leveraging the visibility of Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who has become increasingly active in Punjab. Often seen sporting a turban, Saini actively promotes what he terms the "Haryana model" of governance while criticizing the ruling Aam Aadmi Party for what he describes as "unkept promises."
As political observers closely monitor these developments, the BJP's efforts to bridge the gap with the Ravidassia community represent a critical test of the party's ability to reshape Punjab's political equations ahead of the 2027 elections.
