PM Modi Renames Adampur Airport After Guru Ravidass in Punjab

In a significant political move, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the renaming of Adampur Airport in Punjab to Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Airport. This decision coincides with his visit to the Dera Sachkhand in Ballan village, aimed at engaging with the Dalit community, particularly the Ravidassias, ahead of the 2027 state elections.

Modi's arrival at the airport, mere hours after the Union Budget presentation, highlights the importance of the upcoming elections in Punjab, where Dalits constitute a substantial part of the electorate. Earlier, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman noted the relevance of Guru Ravidass's birth anniversary during her budget speech, further intertwining the political landscape with cultural observances.

Guru Ravidass, a 15th-century poet and social reformer revered by the Ravidassia community, is credited with teachings advocating for equality. Modi, during his address in Ballan, referenced the concept of ‘Viksit Bharat’, or developed India, as inspired by Ravidass's teachings. His remarks aimed to connect current governmental aspirations with the values of the revered saint, particularly in achieving a developed India by 2047.

Security in the region was heightened prior to the visit due to threat emails received at local schools, which were later deemed hoaxes. This reinforcement of security underscores the significance of the visit as part of Modi's broader strategy to enhance the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) presence in Punjab.

The BJP is particularly focused on expanding its support among Dalit voters, who make up nearly one-third of Punjab's population, and even more in the Doaba region, where they comprise roughly 45%. The party aims to redirect support away from traditional rivals, notably the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The Dera Sachkhand in Ballan is influential in local politics, believed to sway voter opinions across numerous assembly seats in the region. Historically, the Ravidassia community separated from mainstream Sikhism in 2010, creating a distinct religious identity after tensions peaked in 2009 following the assassination of a network leader.

As Modi's government seeks to strengthen its foothold in Punjab, his visit to the Dera is also a response to the Dalit community's calls for recognition. The renaming of the airport aligns with such sentiments, fulfilling long-standing demands to honour Guru Ravidass's legacy. The BJP's engagement with this demographic is crucial as it seeks to move beyond being an ally of the Shiromani Akali Dal, with which it has shared ties in the past.

In the backdrop of increasing political activities, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also scheduled to visit Punjab shortly after Modi's trip, further signalling the BJP's commitment to establishing a stronger political influence in the state. Shah's agenda includes a farmers’ rally in Moga, targeting the agrarian community, predominantly Jat Sikhs, who played a pivotal role during the recent agitations against the government's agricultural policies.

The state government, led by the AAP, has responded to Modi’s outreach with initiatives to bolster community engagement, including plans for a research centre dedicated to preserving Guru Ravidass's teachings. The anticipated response among voters will be keenly observed as state elections approach, framing a new chapter in Punjab's political dynamics.