In a move seen as politically significant ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections next year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Dera Sachkhand Ballan in Jalandhar on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu confirmed that the PM will reach the Dera at 4 pm, following his participation in the Parliament Budget Session earlier in the day.

Significance of the Visit

The visit coincides with the 649th anniversary of Guru Ravidass Jayanti. Traditionally, PM Modi has celebrated the occasion in Seer Govardhan, Varanasi, the birthplace of Guru Ravidass, which falls within his parliamentary constituency.

This year’s plan to visit Dera Ballan in Punjab, a highly revered site for the Ravidassia community, is notable because the community largely consists of Dalits and Sikhs, with some Hindus as well. Dalits represent nearly 34% of Punjab’s population, making their support politically influential, analysts said.

Dera Leadership and Recognition

Sant Niranjan Dass, the head of Dera Ballan, was recently awarded the Padma Shri at the Republic Day ceremony.

Two months ago, Sant Niranjan Dass met PM Modi in New Delhi, accompanied by several BJP leaders, including:

• Avinash Chander, former Chief Parliamentary Secretary

• Tarun Chugh, State General Secretary

• Vijay Sampla, former Union Minister of State

Sant Niranjan Dass oversees religious activities at both Ballan Dera and Varanasi. Each year, he arranges a special train for nearly 2,000 devotees to travel to Varanasi for Guru Ravidass Jayanti. This year, he may return by air to Ballan to attend the PM’s visit.

Political Impact and Anticipated Announcements

The PM’s scheduled visit has energized the Punjab BJP, with party leaders expecting major announcements. A former BJP MP noted that the PM might announce naming the Adampur airport after Guru Ravidass.

The visit precedes the Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit on February 22, adding further momentum for the party in the state.

Community and Celebration Plans

The visit also marks the beginning of preparations for the 650th Guru Ravidass Jayanti next year. Avinash Chander said the PM’s presence would kickstart year-long celebrations for the revered guru.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has planned state-level events on Jayanti day and intends to acquire 12 acres near the Dera to establish a Guru Ravidass Research Centre, a project first announced by former CM Charanjit Channi. Despite previous announcements, no significant progress has been made, according to Dera officials.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann is expected to visit Khuralgarh in Hoshiarpur on February 6, where the 151-foot-tall Minar-e-Begampura will be unveiled. Locals have requested a road expansion and recarpeting ahead of next year’s 650th Parkash Purb celebrations.