Politics is paying court to faith

KAPURTHALA: Politics makes strangebed-fellows. Thinking that religious vote banks may put an end to theirsleepless nights, politicians are making a beeline for different.The Beas-based RadhaSwami is among the mostinfluential the support of whichmay prove crucial to either of the two main contestants, the Congress and theSAD. The has about 20,000followers in the constituency.Last time, it had announced to backthe Congress. This time, however, SAD candidate Raghbir Singh, who is an ardentfollower of the and also distantlyrelated to its chief, is expected to attract its followers.While noformal word has so far come from the for support to either of the twoparties, the indications are that the followers would decide in favour of theSAD due to Raghbir''s personal influence.Another being run by Baba Balbir SinghSeechewal, who enjoys considerable following in the region, has alreadyannounced to back the SAD nominee.Having fallen out of favour withRana Gurjit Singh, whose election to the Lok Sabha has necessitated thebyelection, the Baba had been vociferously campaigning for theSAD.The Congress has been banking largely on Baba Kashmira Singh whohas around 2500 to 3000 followers in the constituency. Some support from BabaAshutosh, who runs a in Noormahal,and the Nirankaris is also expected to add to the strength of theCongress.Congress candidate Sukhwinder Kaur has reportedly alreadysought their support.