Mysterious Baba Blamed for Deadly Stampede
Surajpal alias Narayan Saakar Hari alias Bhole Baba, a resident of Bahadurgarh of Patiyali village in Kasganj, UP, has found himself at the center of controversy following a deadly stampede during a satsang in Hathras that resulted in the tragic death of 121 people. Despite being blamed for the incident, the Uttar Pradesh police has so far refrained from taking any action against this Baba.
A significant number of attendees at Narayan Sakar Hari’s satsangs come from impoverished backgrounds, struggling to make ends meet and often having to pawn their belongings just to afford basic medical treatment. The demographic that frequents this Baba’s gatherings primarily consists of individuals from socially and economically disadvantaged classes. The sheer magnitude of attendees, numbering in the thousands, forms the crux of this Baba’s influence and power, which translates into a valuable vote bank that political parties are keen on tapping into for electoral gains.
Politicians’ Involvement with the Baba
The appeal of Narayan Sakar Hari extends beyond his spiritual teachings, with his satsangs becoming a magnet for politicians seeking to shore up their support base. Figures like Akhilesh Yadav have made strategic appearances at Baba’s events, recognizing the pivotal role played by this spiritual leader in the political landscape of regions like Mainpuri, Kasganj, Etah, Aligarh, Hathras, Agra, and Farrukhabad where the Samajwadi Party aims to consolidate its traditional vote bank comprising of backward, Dalit, and minority communities.
The aftermath of the Hathras tragedy highlighted the unwavering devotion of Baba’s followers, drawn from across various districts of Uttar Pradesh, who view his word as gospel and are willing to go to extremes in his name. Despite the loss of lives, the faith in Bhole Baba remains unshaken among these devotees, showcasing the deep-rooted influence wielded by spiritual leaders like Narayan Sakar Hari. In the realm of vote bank politics where the blessings of such Babas are deemed indispensable for securing electoral victories, the reluctance to act against Bhole Baba by the authorities is construed as a strategic move to maintain political alliances and preserve existing power dynamics.
