Jalandhar, January 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
In a development carrying major political implications ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections next year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Dera Sachkhand Ballan in Jalandhar on Sunday, February 1.
Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu confirmed the programme, stating that the Prime Minister will arrive at the revered religious site around 4 pm after attending the Budget Session of Parliament earlier in the day.
The visit will coincide with the 649th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidass, making it especially significant for the Ravidassia community. Dera Sachkhand Ballan is regarded as one of the most important spiritual centres for followers of Guru Ravidass in Punjab and across the country.
Political observers note that the timing of the visit holds strategic importance, as the Ravidassia community largely comprises Dalits and Sikhs, with a section belonging to the Hindu faith as well. With Dalits forming nearly 34 per cent of Punjab’s population, the community represents a substantial and influential voter base.
With the Assembly elections approaching and the political scenario still evolving, the visit is being seen as part of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s broader outreach efforts in the state. Analysts believe the BJP leadership is keen to strengthen its connect with key social and religious groups ahead of the polls.
Adding to the significance of the engagement, the head of Dera Sachkhand Ballan, Sant Niranjan Dass, was conferred with the Padma Shri during this year’s Republic Day समारोह. The honour followed his meeting with Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi around two months ago, which was attended by senior BJP leaders including former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Avinash Chander, state general secretary Tarun Chugh, and former Union Minister of State Vijay Sampla.
Sant Niranjan Dass oversees major religious centres in Ballan and Varanasi, the Prime Minister’s parliamentary constituency. Every year, on the occasion of Ravidass Jayanti, he leads a special train carrying nearly 2,000 devotees to Varanasi. This year’s pilgrimage train is scheduled to be flagged off on January 29.
Sources said that while Sant Niranjan Dass is expected to accompany the devotees to Varanasi, he may return by air to Jalandhar to remain present during the Prime Minister’s visit to Dera Ballan.
The upcoming visit is being closely watched in political circles, as it reflects the BJP’s efforts to deepen its engagement with influential religious institutions and communities in Punjab ahead of the crucial Assembly elections.
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