During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's significant visit to Dera Sachkhand Ballan in Jalandhar on Sunday, two-time former MLA Avinash Chander emerged as the crucial coordinator between the influential dera and the central government. His prominent role during the event signals important political developments in Punjab's complex caste and religious landscape.
Chander's Central Role in PM's Dera Engagement
Not only did Avinash Chander conduct the stage proceedings during the Prime Minister's visit, but PM Modi specifically mentioned his name along with two other dera functionaries while opening his address. This recognition carried particular significance as no other BJP leader from Punjab received similar mention in the Prime Minister's speech.
Strategic Political Outreach to Dalit Communities
The Prime Minister's visit is being widely interpreted as the BJP's strategic political outreach toward Dalit communities in Punjab, with special focus on the Ravidasia and Ad-dharmi segments. Among senior scheduled caste BJP leaders in the state, Chander's involvement represents a calculated move to strengthen the party's connection with these influential groups.
Chander's coordination role began well before the actual visit. On December 4, 2025, he accompanied dera head Sant Niranjan Dass, along with select BJP leaders from Punjab, to personally invite the Prime Minister to attend the Guru Ravidas Jayanti function in Kashi (Varanasi) and visit the dera. Sources indicate he served as the primary point person from the dera side to coordinate with the Prime Minister's Office for the entire visit arrangement.
Preparation and Execution Responsibilities
Chander played an instrumental role in making comprehensive preparations at the dera for hosting the Prime Minister. When the dera welcomed PM Modi, Chander was entrusted with the responsibility of conducting the stage proceedings. Interestingly, apart from the Prime Minister himself, Chander was the only speaker from the stage, as the typically reticent dera head Sant Niranjan Dass chose not to address the gathering on this occasion.
Political Journey and Dera Connections
Avinash Chander maintains longstanding associations with Dera Sachkhand Ballan, relationships that have now positioned him strategically within current political dynamics. His political career began in the Bahujan Samaj Party before he transitioned to the Shiromani Akali Dal. He served as an Akali MLA from 2007 to 2017, representing first Kartarpur and later Phillaur constituencies, and also held the position of chief parliamentary secretary.
However, his political trajectory faced challenges when the Enforcement Directorate questioned him during his second term as MLA, creating obstacles in his career progression. In February 2022, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who was overseeing BJP's Punjab affairs at the time, formally inducted Chander into the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Family Legacy in Ad-dharm Movement
Chander's political and community connections run deep through family heritage. His grandfather, Seth Kishan Das, was a prominent leader in the Ad-dharm movement that originated in the 1920s and established "Ad-dharm" as a distinct religious identity. Seth Kishan Das became an MLA in 1937 with active support from the Ad-dharm Mandal, marking early political representation for the community.
Later, he emerged as a significant leader in the Punjab unit of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's Scheduled Caste Federation. He played an especially active role in organizing Dr. Ambedkar's landmark visit to Jalandhar in 1951, where the architect of India's Constitution addressed a massive public rally. Beyond politics, Seth Kishan Das was recognized as one of Jalandhar's pioneering and leading leather traders, establishing both commercial and community influence.
The convergence of Chander's personal political journey, his family's historical involvement in Dalit movements, and his current role as coordinator between the dera and central government creates a unique position for him in Punjab's evolving political landscape. His visibility during PM Modi's visit suggests potential realignments in how national parties engage with Punjab's complex caste and religious constituencies.
