PM Modi’s Mission Punjab: From Dera Sachkhand Ballan Visit to Niranjan Das’ Blessings, How Dalit Voters Are Being Wooed

Chandigarh, Punjab: Ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strategic visit to Dera Sachkhand Ballan, marking BJP’s first foray into the dera politics of the state. The visit coincided with Padma Shri awardee Sant Niranjan Das being felicitated, signaling a clear outreach to the Dalit electorate.

A Devotional Touch with Political Undertones

On the occasion of Sant Ravidas Jayanti, PM Modi traveled 18 km from Jalandhar to the dera, where he sought blessings by touching the feet of Sant Niranjan Das and stayed closely by his side throughout the visit. Modi’s gesture of holding the sant’s hand while others tried to assist him drew widespread appreciation, leaving a personal and relatable impression. Prior to this, the PM inaugurated the Adampur Airport, named after Guru Ravidas, and in his address, invoked both Sant Ravidas and Lord Valmiki, blending spirituality with subtle political messaging.

Focus on Doaba’s 23 Crucial Seats

The Prime Minister’s brief trip, despite parliamentary and budgetary commitments, was not just a religious gesture. Strategists see it as BJP’s entry into Punjab’s Dalit politics, particularly targeting the Ravidasia and Dalit communities, who make up 45% of the Doaba region’s population, influencing 23 out of 117 assembly constituencies. While Dera Sachkhand Ballan does not formally intervene in politics, it is believed to wield influence over 19 assembly seats. Historical data shows that Dalit voters were decisive in the BSP’s 1991 and 1996 victories, winning multiple legislative and Lok Sabha seats in Punjab.

Lessons from 2022

In the last state elections, Shiromani Akali Dal leveraged dera influence to consolidate votes in Doaba, with welfare schemes under Prakash Singh Badal benefiting Ravidasia Sikhs. Despite BJP receiving 18.56% of votes—more than Akali Dal’s 13.42%—it could win only 2 seats, while AAP captured 92 constituencies and Congress 18. Sikh voters, traditionally aligned with Akali Dal or Congress, largely stayed away from BJP in 2022.

Dalit Votes and Strategic Alliances

Dalit voters, who had partially shifted to Congress in 2024, remain a key demographic for BJP. Political analysts stress that while Hindu and Dalit votes are vital, they alone cannot secure a majority in Punjab, unlike Hindi-speaking states where BJP has a broader base. Former CM Captain Amarinder Singh noted that BJP will likely need alliances, hinting at a potential understanding with Shiromani Akali Dal, to achieve electoral success in the state.

Looking Ahead

With the 2026 Assembly elections around the corner, BJP’s strategy of blending religious outreach with targeted Dalit engagement is being closely watched. PM Modi’s visit to Dera Sachkhand Ballan has sent a clear message that the party aims to consolidate support among Dalit voters while keeping a strategic eye on potential alliances.