The Dera Factor Why a Spiritual Leader’s Visit to Bikram Majithia Sparked a Row:

The political landscape of Punjab has shifted dramatically as senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia walked out of Nabha Jail on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Granted bail by the Supreme Court in a high-profile disproportionate assets (DA) case, Majithia’s release has triggered a massive war of words between the ruling AAP, the SAD, and the BJP.

The Bail and the "Spiritual" Twist

Majithia had been in custody since June 2025 following allegations by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau that he laundered over ₹540 crore of drug money. While granting bail, the Supreme Court noted that he had already spent seven months in jail and that a chargesheet had been filed.

However, the real "row" began just hours before the court order. Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon, the head of Radha Soami Satsang Beas, visited Majithia in jail and publicly labeled the case against him as "false and baseless." This rare public stance by a spiritual leader has added a religious and social dimension to the legal battle.

The Political Slugfest

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann: Reacted with a cryptic post on X, suggesting that when visitors "turn into judges," only God can protect justice—a clear jab at the Dera Beas chief's visit.

Bikram Majithia: Upon his release, he twirled his moustache and famously told the media, "Tell them (AAP), Tiger Abhi Zinda Hai." He accused the government of a "concocted conspiracy" and a policy of "political vendetta" to silence the opposition.

AAP’s Defense: Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema downplayed the release, stating, "Bail is not an acquittal." He asserted that the government would review the order and that a conviction was still certain.

BJP’s Stance: Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar called the bail a "complete failure" of the AAP government’s legal and investigative machinery.

What’s Next?

Majithia’s release is expected to re-energize the Shiromani Akali Dal, which has been portraying him as a "victim of oppression." With the trial for the DA case (covering the check period of 2007–2017) still ongoing, the legal battle is far from over, but the political optics have clearly shifted in favor of the Akalis for now.