New Delhi: A Padma Shri for the dera chief on the eve of Republic Day and within days a visit by the Prime Minister himself sparks buzz around political scenario. Dera Sachkhand Ballan in Jalandhar has suddenly found itself at the centre of Punjab’s political spotlight. With the next assembly election not far away, the timing of this outreach is hard to ignore.

PM Narendra Modi is set to visit the dera to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas, the 15th-century Bhakti saint revered by large sections of Punjab’s Dalit community. His trip comes a day after hoax threat emails led to tightened security in Jalandhar, adding an edge of tension to an already high-profile programme.

The visit is more than ceremonial as Punjab’s........

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