Chandigarh, January 27:The Union Government has coordinated a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Punjab’s Dera Ballan on February 1, signaling a major outreach to the state’s Dalit community which comprises 34 percent of the population. Sant Niranjan Dass, who leads the community’s religious centers in both Varanasi and Jalandhar, is expected to be present at the Dera to receive the Prime Minister.
The Sant usually travels to Varanasi via a special train with thousands of devotees; however, he is expected to return to Jalandhar by air to facilitate the Prime Minister’s visit.
This move has provided a significant boost to the local unit of the BJP, which anticipates major development announcements during the event.
Followers of Guru Ravidass have sought extensive arrangements for the upcoming 650th Jayanti. “With his visit, the PM will kick-start the year-long celebrations in the honour of the Guru,” said BJP leader Avinash Chander.
The visit occurs as various political entities vie for influence within the community.
While the current state administration has plans for a state-level function and the unveiling of the Minar-e-Begampura in Hoshiarpur on February 6, the Prime Minister’s visit to the Dera headquarters is seen as a proactive step by the central leadership.
Dera officials noted that although various leaders have visited the site and offered symbolic gestures in the past, substantive progress on projects like the Guru Ravidass Research Centre remains a priority for the devotees.
