Self-styled godman Suraj Pal, who is revered by his followers as Narayan Sakar Hari or 'Bhole Baba,' has gone missing following a stampede at one of his satsangs (religious gatherings) that tragically resulted in the deaths of 121 people. Suraj Pal, originating from the Dalit community, wields significant influence in the Western Uttar Pradesh region.
Narayan Sakar Hari, who is part of the Jatav sub-caste, commands immense respect and authority within his community. His religious gatherings draw tens of thousands of devotees, primarily from the Dalit community, showcasing his profound impact.
His substantial popularity and his vast attendance at his spiritual events have attracted the attention of political figures and have had a notable influence on local politics.
Despite his absence from social media and lack of extensive publicity, Narayan Sakar Hari has emerged as the foremost spiritual leader for the Dalit community. His satsangs typically include a brief sermon and aarti (a devotional ritual), followed by sessions where he addresses the crowd, claiming to cure illnesses and dispel evil spirits.
On the first Tuesday of every month, approximately five lakh people gather for his satsangs. Over the past two decades, these events have consistently drawn enormous crowds, necessitating the committee to set up tents in agricultural fields outside the city to accommodate the influx of attendees.
POLITICAL INFLUENCE
Narayan Sakar Hari’s influence extends beyond the spiritual domain into the political sphere. His followers include several prominent political figures, such as former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and various BJP leaders, who have attended his events.
Although he never openly engages in political activities, his endorsement is highly coveted, significantly impacting political decisions and candidacies.
Babu Ram Paswan, a two-time BJP MLA from Puranpur, attributes part of his political success to Narayan Sakar Hari’s support. According to local photojournalist Sanjeev Singh, Paswan's connection with the spiritual leader has bolstered his political career, highlighting Narayan Sakar Hari's considerable political influence.
Two decades ago, Paswan organized events for the spiritual leader, which helped to cement his political standing.
Narayan Sakar Hari’s influence spans across 16 districts, including Firozabad, Etawah, Kanpur, and Agra. Despite the widespread use of social media today, he remains conspicuously absent from all platforms.
This absence from social media, although perplexing to many, does not lessen his following. His devotees remain steadfastly loyal, and his gatherings continue to attract massive crowds, underscoring his enduring legacy and significant influence.
