Outlook has a good analysis of the recent Sikh on Sikh violence in Punjab.
Losing Their Religion?
There are an estimated 9,000 deras in Punjab, each headed by a baba or a sant
Dera Sacha Sauda is among the largest, with 40 lakh followers
About 80 per cent of Punjab's population patronises these deras, which are believed to corner 90 per cent of religious donations in the state today
All political parties woo the deras, which can influence large numbers of voters. In the recent assembly poll, the Congress' 12 seats in Malwa are credited to Dera Sacha Sauda
The deras sprang up in the aftermath of militancy, and their spiritual heads amassed enormous wealth when they got funds to rebuild gurudwaras
They make a special effort to woo lower-caste and illiterate Sikhs, and project an inclusive image
Deras now pose a major threat and challenge to the Sikh religious establishment
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