The recent parole of convicted rapist Gurmeet Ram Rahim, leader of the Dera Sacha Sauda, has ignited a fresh wave of controversy as he rallies his followers to support the BJP in upcoming elections. Ram Rahim, who is serving a 20-year sentence for raping two of his disciples, has a history of political involvement, particularly with the BJP, which has long sought the backing of his massive follower base. Critics are questioning the timing of his parole, which coincides with key electoral events, accusing the ruling party of leveraging his influence for political gain. This unsettling alliance raises serious ethical concerns about the intersection of criminality and politics, and what it signals for India’s democratic values.