Ram Rahim gets bail ahead of Haryana Polls

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the controversial chief of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, has been granted a 20-day parole just days before the Haryana Assembly elections scheduled for October 5, 2024. This marks his 15th parole in four years, raising concerns about the timing and implications of his release.

Ram Rahim, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for raping two disciples, has seen his paroles coincide with various elections in Haryana and Punjab over the years. His latest release comes amidst heightened political activity as candidates gear up for the upcoming polls. While he is barred from entering Haryana or engaging in any election-related activities during this period, critics argue that his influence could still sway voters.

The timing of Ram Rahim's parole has sparked significant backlash from opposition parties, particularly the Congress. The party has formally written to the Election Commission of India (ECI), expressing concerns that his release could unduly influence the electorate. They highlighted Ram Rahim's substantial following in Haryana, particularly in regions like Sirsa, Ambala, and Hisar, which collectively hold a significant number of assembly seats.

Congress spokesperson Kewal Dhingra stated, "If Ram Rahim is granted parole, he can influence voters before the Haryana Assembly Elections 2024 as he has received massive support as a religious preacher." The party's letter urged the ECI to prevent his release during the Model Code of Conduct period.

The Haryana government has justified the parole by stating that Ram Rahim sought it for personal reasons, including commemorating his father's death anniversary on the same day as the elections. However, given his history of receiving paroles around election times, skepticism remains regarding the motives behind this latest decision.

Public sentiment is divided. While some supporters view Ram Rahim's release as a personal matter unrelated to politics, many others fear it could lead to potential manipulation of voter sentiments. The Election Commission has emphasized that strict conditions will be enforced during his parole to monitor any activities that could breach electoral integrity.

As Haryana approaches its assembly elections, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's parole adds another layer of complexity to an already charged political landscape. With opposition parties raising alarms about potential voter influence and the integrity of the electoral process at stake, all eyes will be on how this situation unfolds in the coming weeks. The implications of this parole extend beyond individual freedoms; they touch upon broader themes of political power dynamics and electoral fairness in India's democratic framework.