Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, convicted in 2017 for raping two female disciples, has been granted a 20-day parole. His release comes just ahead of the Haryana assembly elections, adding fuel to an already tense political landscape.
This will mark Ram Rahim’s tenth parole in the last two years. His release was approved by the Haryana government after securing permission from the Election Commission. With his massive local following, the timing of his release has raised concerns, especially among opposition parties.
The Congress party has already raised objections, writing to the Election Commission and labeling the parole a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. They believe Ram Rahim’s release could unfairly influence voters, tipping the scales in a tightly contested election.
Ram Rahim’s parole has come at a crucial time for the ruling BJP, which is seeking a third consecutive term in power. His large following could be a key factor in a close fight, leading to speculation about the electoral motivations behind the parole decision.