Will BJP-Dera Sacha Sauda bonhomie help party get clear majority in Haryana polls?

Sirsa, Oct 13: Hours before model code of conduct is being imposed in the poll bound Haryana, a major success came across the BJP's way as the Dera Sacha Sauda, popular religious organisation, reportedly announced its support to the saffron party.

This last minute announcement will certainly increase the BJP's chances of getting a clear majority in the 90-member Haryana Assembly which was headed for a hung mandate before this announcement. Dera enjoys a considerable number of followers in the Sirsa and Hissar districts.

Dera Sacha Sauda is a Sirsa-based religious organisation, which is very popular in the state and has been playing a crucial role in affecting Haryana's politics. Spread across 45 of the state's 90 constituencies Dera followers are believed to be one of the most influential groups of voters. Dera on its website calls itself a 'spiritual and philanthropic' organisation.

As per local experts, if these followers support a particular party in unison, there is no doubt that it will be able to bag maximum seats in their constituencies.

To listen what experts are saying, click: Haryana Poll: Dera Sacha Sauda with BJP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and party's Haryana incharge Kailash Vijayvarghia have all been wooing Dera followers during the poll campaigning. While Vijayvarghia and Swaraj, who's sister is contesting on a BJP ticket, have met Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan, Prime Minister Modi during his poll rally in Sirsa reached out to his followers by saying he has sought blessings of the Dera chief.

Modi, however, did not take Ram Rahim's name, who's name was associated with lots of controversies in the past, but mentioned the organisation's founder Baba Mastana's name during his Sirsa rally.

Also, Dera chief had praised PM Narendra Modi's Swachha Bharat Campaign. This also hints that the organisation is inching closer towards the BJP.

Experts are claiming that Dera's last minute support for the BJP will turn out a boon for the party, which is hoping to come to power on its own, in Haryana.

OneIndia News