Chandigarh (Sandeep): Senior Congress leader and former minister Pargat Singh has strongly condemned the repeated grant of parole to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, calling it a blatant misuse of legal provisions for electoral gains. In a sharply worded statement, he alleged that the pattern of frequent paroles points toward a deliberate political strategy aimed at influencing voters, particularly in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Pargat Singh raised serious concerns over what he described as a “protective shield” being extended to Ram Rahim, not only by the BJP but also by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab. He questioned the silence and inaction of both governments despite the Dera chief being named in grave cases, including the 2015 sacrilege incidents and the 2017 Maur blast case, which had deeply shaken Punjab’s social fabric.
Targeting Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Pargat Singh reminded the public of promises made by the AAP leadership to deliver justice within 24 hours in sacrilege-related cases. However, he noted that even after four years, those assurances remain unfulfilled. He further alleged that under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the crucial sanction required to prosecute Gurmeet Ram Rahim has been deliberately withheld, raising serious questions about the government’s intent.
The former minister did not mince words in criticizing the repeated paroles granted to a convicted individual serving a sentence in a rape case. He stated that such actions not only undermine the justice system but also send a dangerous message to society. According to him, the timing and frequency of these paroles clearly indicate a political motive linked to elections, where vote-bank considerations are being prioritized over justice and accountability.
Pargat Singh concluded by expressing anguish over the erosion of public trust in institutions, asserting that when convicted individuals receive preferential treatment for political convenience, it weakens the very foundation of democracy and the rule of law. He called for transparency, accountability, and immediate action to ensure that justice is not compromised for electoral benefits.