In the morning, Dera supporters came out to vote in favor of the BJP in a few locations. Then came the code word: 'Fool with Takdi.' The BJP's electoral symbol is 'Phool,' which means lotus, and the Shiromani Akali Dal's election symbol is 'Takdi,' which means scales.
At the request of the political branch, Dera devotees have come out in favor of Shiromani Akali Dal. The dera's support, however, was with the BJP till Saturday evening. The abrupt change of opinion is due to political considerations. In Malwa, the Akali Dal has been aided in weakening the AAP.
BJP in cities, and SAD in villages
Dera Premis is observed in Punjab supporting Akali Dal candidates in Malwa, Lambi, Sardulgarh, Zira, Bathinda, Giddbaha, and Sunam.
Supported Akali in Ferozepur Rural and the BJP in Ferozepur Urban, as well as the BJP in Patiala Urban and Rural. In Dhuri, Dera did not support anyone. The Aam Aadmi Party has been held at arm's length by the Dera. The dera, on the other hand, did not publicly support anyone. The Congress, BJP, and Punjab Lok Congress, as well as the Shiromani Akali Dal-BSP coalition, are the most powerful parties in Punjab.
Jassi's support extended in Talwandi Sabon
The political wing of the dera has extended support to Harminder Jassi, the brother-in-law of the dera chief in Talwandi Sabon's seat. Jassi is also a Dera enthusiast and has lost three consecutive elections. So this time the political wing is trying its best to ensure his victory. Jassi was involved in Congress. But due to lack of tickets, he is contesting as an independent candidate from Talwandi Sabon.
Promotion of NOTA as well
Angry with all political parties, a section of the dera is pressing the NOTA button in Punjab. Dera supporters have openly urged people in various Punjab regions to vote for NOTA as part of this campaign. Under the NOTA movement, a subset of Dera adherents is active on the Faith Versus Verdict page on social media.
Impact over these seats
Firozpur, Moga, Fazilka, Abohar, Faridkot, Muktsar Sahib, Bathinda, Patiala, Ludhiana, Mansa, Sangrur, Barnala, Malerkotla, Fatehgarh Sahib, Bathinda, Patiala, Ludhiana, Mansa, Sangrur, Barnala, Malerkotla, Fatehgarh Sahib, Bath In the Malwa belt, Dera's influence is acknowledged in 69 assembly constituencies.
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Dera's huge participation in this Punjab Election 2022
In Punjab, the Dera tried to interfere in the assembly elections in 2007, 2012, and 2017. Apart from that, Dera openly backed the BJP in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and the Haryana Assembly elections in October. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the Dera chief himself expressed his support for the PM's Swachh Bharat Mission.
Earlier, Captain Amarinder Singh, the current Chief Minister of Punjab, had gone to the Dera for the 2012 assembly elections. His wife Preneet Kaur and his son also went to the dera for votes. Badal father and son have also filled the attendance of Dera for votes. In the Punjab Assembly elections held in February 2017, hundreds of leaders of Punjab had knocked Dera's door for votes.