The Congress has objected to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Insaan getting another parole, citing his influence in Haryana which could be misused ahead of the elections in the state. The Congress has written to the Election Commission on Ram Rahim's parole request, saying that if the Dera Sacha Sauda chief comes out of jail, he may influence the voters. Therefore, his parole should be scrapped as the Model Code of Conduct is in force, the party said.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim commands significant sway in Haryana, where the Dera Sacha Sauda sect is primarily based. Gurmeet Ram Rahim has followers numbering in lakhs, mainly in Sirsa, which translates to votes during elections. His influence extends to the Ambala, Kurukshetra, and Hisar districts, which account for a total of 36 assembly seats.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim is currently serving a 20-year sentence at the Sunaria jail in Rohtak after being found guilty of raping two women disciples at his Sirsa ashram. A few days ago, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh sought a 20-day parole, which was accepted on Monday by the divisional commissioner. The authorities said that he didn't have to cite any reason for the parole since it was not an emergency furlough. This is his 15th parole in the last four years, reported news website Business Today.
In the letter sent to the Election Commission, the Haryana Congress said, "The BJP-ruled Haryana government is granting parole to Ram Rahim. If Ram Rahim is given parole, he can influence the voters before the Haryana Assembly Elections 2024 as he has received massive support as a religious preacher. His record in this regard is well known."
The letter further states, "...therefore it is requested that an appropriate order be passed. Ram Rahim cannot be granted parole while the Model Code of Conduct is in force."
Many of his previous releases have coincided with elections in Punjab, Haryana, and neighbouring states. For instance, he was granted a three-week furlough on February 7, 2022, just two weeks before the Punjab Assembly elections.