Dera to meet from Jan 22 to decide on Punjab polls

The Dera`s political wing, Sadh Sangat Rajneetik Wing, will take the decision after considering the feedback received from its followers across Punjab, Dera sources said.

The brainstorming session would be attended by Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, members Gurbaz Singh, Raj Kingra, Ram Karan, Parammjit Singh, Jagjit Singh Birapur and Major Singh.

"Our seven-member committee will take a final call in this matter (whom to vote in Punjab`s poll) and Gurmeet Ram Rahim has nothing to do with politics," Ram Singh, who is associated with the political wing of the Dera, said.

The Dera, which had been at loggerheads with the Sikh clergy for alleged insult to Sikh Guru Govind Singh, wields considerable influence in about 55 seats and have presence in 30 assembly segments of Punjab, including Malwa region where it has a sizable number of followers.