CHANDIGARH: Ahead of assembly elections in Haryana later this year, political parties in the state are treading with caution on the issue of the parole plea moved by rape and murder convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh , who is also the head of the powerful Dera Sacha Sauda .

There are 10,000 to 15,000 voters in each of the 90 assembly constituencies who are also members of the Dera.

Most political parties appear to be wary of offending these ‘Dera premis’. Besides Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar , his cabinet colleagues Krishan Lal Panwar and Anil Vij have publicly supported a convict’s ‘right to parole’. JJP leader Dushyant Chautala said: “Parole is the right of a convict. Due process is followed before release of a person.”

We have seen this and follow this as and when my father opts to avail this concession.

But this system is totally the prerogative of the government which has to take a call keeping in view issues like law and order.”

