25 Aug 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : BJP national president Nitin Nabin has invoked the teachings of Sant Ravidas during the party’s outreach to the Ravidassia community, saying the saint’s ideals helped protect Indian society and Sanatan traditions during periods of foreign invasions and attempts at religious conversion.
Nabin Highlights Sant Ravidas’ Legacy
Nabin made the remarks while addressing Samrasta Sankalp Diwas in New Delhi as part of programmes marking the upcoming 650th birth anniversary of Sant Ravidas.
He said Sant Ravidas’ teachings and struggles had helped preserve Indian society and its traditions during periods of foreign invasions and large-scale attempts at conversion.
BJP’s Ravidassia Outreach in Punjab
The remarks come as the BJP steps up its outreach to the Ravidassia community ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
Punjab is home to Dera Ballan, one of the most influential spiritual centres associated with the Ravidassia community. The BJP has been organising a wider Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan focused on Sant Ravidas and social harmony.
Kalash Yatra Reaches Punjab
As part of the campaign, sacred soil from Seer Govardhanpur in Varanasi, regarded as Sant Ravidas’ birthplace, is being carried across Punjab.
The kalash yatra carrying the soil entered Punjab through Lalru on August 1, after the campaign was launched from Varanasi on July 29. The soil is being taken to different parts of the state as part of the anniversary celebrations.
Anti-Conversion Pitch
Nabin’s remarks also formed part of the BJP’s broader anti-conversion pitch in Punjab.
The party has identified concerns over what it describes as growing religious conversions as one of its political issues in the state. Nabin linked Sant Ravidas’ historical role to the BJP’s argument about protecting Indian cultural and religious traditions.
Focus on Social Harmony
The BJP is presenting the campaign as an effort to spread Sant Ravidas’ message of social harmony, equality and selfless service.
Nabin has also linked these ideals with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political slogan of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas.
Punjab Politics in Focus
The outreach comes well ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, making the Ravidassia community an important political constituency.
Earlier this year, Nabin also met saints and spiritual leaders in Jalandhar and called for religious institutions to support campaigns against drug abuse in Punjab.
Seven-Month Campaign
The BJP’s Sant Ravidas campaign is planned to continue from July 29, 2026, to February 20, 2027, the 650th birth anniversary of the 15th-century saint-poet.
The party plans programmes centred on social harmony, devotional activities and engagement with the Sant Ravidas community across several states.
Why the Outreach Matters
The BJP has historically faced challenges in expanding its electoral base in Punjab. Its sustained engagement with Ravidassia and other religious communities represents an effort to broaden its social support ahead of the next Assembly election.
The campaign also gives the party an opportunity to connect cultural and religious themes with its wider political messaging.