In a significant development with both religious and political implications, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Dera Sachkhand Ballan near Jalandhar on February 1, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Guru Ravidas Jayanti. This visit follows the recent announcement of the prestigious Padma Shri award being conferred upon the dera's head, Sant Niranjan Dass.
Schedule and Preparations for the Prime Minister's Visit
Union Minister of State Ravneet Bittu confirmed the details on Tuesday, stating that the Prime Minister will fly to Jalandhar immediately after the presentation of the Union Budget in Parliament. He is expected to arrive at the dera around 4 PM. "Just after the Parliament session of that day concludes, the PM will fly to Jalandhar and is expected to be there at 4pm. He would pay tributes and also give his message to the people," Bittu elaborated in a statement to the media on Monday.
Local administration and police authorities have already begun extensive preparations for the high-profile visit, following alerts from the Prime Minister's Office to top officials in Punjab. This meticulous planning underscores the importance attached to the event.
Historical Context and Invitation
The invitation for this visit was extended during a notable meeting on December 4, when Sant Niranjan Dass, accompanied by BJP leaders from Punjab, called on Prime Minister Modi. The meeting, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, marked the first time the Dera Ballan head personally met with the PM. During this interaction, Sant Niranjan Dass invited the Prime Minister to both the Guru Ravidas Jayanti function held at Kanshi (Varanasi) and to visit Dera Ballan itself.
It is noteworthy that Dera Sachkhand Ballan controls the management of Guru Ravidas's birthplace at Kanshi, adding a layer of religious authority to the invitation. While Prime Minister Modi has visited the Varanasi shrine on three previous occasions during Ravidas Jayanti, this will be his inaugural visit to Dera Ballan to mark the occasion, signifying a shift in focus.
Political Significance and Broader Outreach
The dual moves of awarding the Padma Shri to Sant Niranjan Dass and the Prime Minister's subsequent visit carry substantial political weight, given the dera's considerable influence within the Ravidasia and Ad-dharmi communities. These communities are part of the broader Dalit demographic, which constitutes approximately one-third of Punjab's population.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has been actively engaging with individual Scheduled Caste communities at various levels, as part of a concerted effort to woo Dalit voters ahead of crucial electoral cycles. This outreach is seen as a strategic maneuver to consolidate support in a key voter base.
Minister Bittu highlighted the Prime Minister's consistent focus on commemorating significant religious anniversaries, stating, "PM has been taking very keen interest in observing anniversaries of our Gurus and historic days. Grand and historic functions were held to mark the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak, the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur, and Veer Bal Diwas." He further noted that Guru Ravidas's 650th birth anniversary falls next year, which is also expected to be celebrated on a grand scale.
Strengthening Ties and Community Relations
The relationship between Dera Ballan and the Prime Minister has been gradually strengthening. Last year, a special ‘Ardas’ (prayer) was performed for PM Modi on his birthday within the dera premises, indicating a growing rapport. This upcoming visit is poised to further cement these ties, blending spiritual homage with political engagement.
As the date approaches, all eyes are on Jalandhar, where this confluence of faith and politics will unfold, potentially shaping community sentiments and political alignments in the region. The event underscores the BJP's nuanced approach to connecting with diverse social and religious groups across India.
