BJP's Connections with Controversial godman Rampal - 2014 elections in Haryana

Rampal ‘link’ in BJP victory
GAJINDER SINGH

Chandigarh, Nov. 19: Narendra Modi may have been a huge crowd-puller for the BJP in the run-up to last month’s Assembly elections in Haryana, but the party’s phenomenal progress from four to 47 seats might not have been possible without the support of so-called “godmen”.

Sources said leaders of all parties had visited the ashrams and deras of these self-styled godmen such as Rampal and the Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh to seek the votes of their supporters.

“Local leaders and even some candidates from both the Congress and the BJP had approached Rampal to get his supporters to vote for their parties in the elections. While some announce their support in their discourses, others simply spread the word by mouth, which Rampal did. It is a normal practice but it depends on the supporters who to vote for. The BJP did approach us for support and benefited,” Rampal’s spokesperson Raj Kapur, who was arrested today, said.

Rampal’s Satlok Ashram claims a following of 25 lakh, mostly in Haryana and adjoining states. The Dera Sacha Sauda claims over 60 lakh members in Haryana alone.

At least 44 BJP candidates are said to have met Gurmeet Singh a week before the day Haryana voted. Sources said BJP chief Amit Shah, too, had met Singh a few days earlier. Two days after the candidates met him, the Dera Sacha Sauda announced its “open support” for the BJP.

“Film stars are there to be seen and godmen to be heard by the voters. There is nothing wrong in seeking their support,” a BJP leader said. “If Rampal secured some votes for us, he may have promised votes to other parties also.”

Religious leaders, unlike film stars, don’t usually urge followers in public to support a particular candidate or party. They convey the message to confidants, who pass the word on to the followers.

The disciples usually follow the instructions, making the so-called godmen sought-after vote magnets. In return for their support, the “godmen” expect land to expand their ashrams and clout if “their candidates” win.

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1141120/jsp/nation/story_19063828.jsp