Chandigarh: The political wing of Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda will take a final call on Friday on whom to support in the ensuing Punjab Assembly polls due on January 30.
"The political wing's seven-member committee will hold an elaborate meeting on January 27 in which our members from various districts of Punjab will take part. The issue (on whom to support) will be discussed threadbare and a final decision will be taken depending on the outcome of the meeting," head of Dera's political wing Ram Singh said on Wednesday.
Singh said that over 5,000 members from various parts of the state attended a two-day conclave at the Dera headquarters in Sirsa, which concluded on Monday evening.
"We received a number of written suggestions from followers and members, but no final decision could be taken on that day," he said with regards to support call to candidates.
Politicians from both the Opposition Congress and ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) have been making a beeline to seek blessings of the Dera Chief who enjoys considerable influence among the people in Punjab, Haryana and other areas in the North.
Ram Singh said among those who had paid a visit to the sect on Tuesday included Union Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur and her son Raninder Singh.
He added that nearly 55-60 candidates of the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal had paid a visit to the Dera.
However, Dera sources said that for the forthcoming polls the political wing has not issued any directions so far even though leaders of various parties are visiting the sect Chief.
The Dera followers had supported the Congress candidates in the Malwa region, including Bathinda and adjoining districts, in the 2007 Assembly polls.
The Dera Chief has been involved in various controversies, including his attiring himself in a dress similar to that of the 10th Sikh Guru Gobind Singh, which had triggered communal violence between the Dera followers and the Sikhs in May 2007.
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