After years of animosity, premis ‘vote’ for SAD-BJP

Parvesh Sharma

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, February 4

Dera Sacha Sauda followers reportedly voted for the SAD-BJP candidates today. On January 31, the dera decided to support the ruling alliance.

“No one expected it (dera’s decision). But after the dera announced its support to the SAD-BJP, a majority of followers went by its decision,” said Krishan Thareja, who is part of a 15-member committee of followers here.

Ever since the dera’s decision, Bhangi Dass (block-level leaders of the dera) had been working hard to convince followers to vote for the ruling alliance.

Till last week, several “premis” (dera followers) were opposing SAD leaders for the party’s anti-dera stance. Since followers faced the wrath of SAD leaders after they supported the Congress in 2007, many raised the banner of revolt.

To assuage disgruntled followers, Bhangi Dass prepared lists of such followers in their areas on February 1 and 2. Since the morning of February 3, special committees of followers toured villages to impress upon disgruntled followers.

But there were some who chose to “defy” the dera’s decision. “My village did not support the SAD-BJP alliance. All voted of their own accord. There are around 150 voters in my village,” said Raghuvir Singh, sarpanch of Ballian village and dera follower.

Ram Karn Insan, a member of the dera’s political wing, confirmed that some did not abide by the decision. “But majority went by the dera’s choice,” he claimed.