CHANDIGARH: Haryana governor Dhanik Lal Mandal accepted the resignations of three ministers the chief parliamentary secretary and six chairmen of various boards and corporations on the advice of chief minister Om Parkash Chautala.

The resignations were given in protest against the violence that marred the bye-election to the state assembly from Meham constituency from where Chautla was contesting.

Among the ministers whose resignations were accepted were Chautala’s younger brother and agriculture minister, Ranjit Singh, power and irrigation minister Verendra Singh, minister of state for jails and forests Raghubir Singh Qadian, and chief parliamentary secretary Ran Singh Mann.

They had resigned on Thursday.

Resignations of chairman of six state level boards and corporations including four legislators, who quit Friday, were also accepted.

NEW DELHI: Haryana dominated the political affairs committee meeting of the JD.

Spokesman Jaipal Reddy who briefed newsmen said the members noted with dismay the poll violence in Meham constituency in Haryana, but said there was no demand for resignation of chief minister Om Prakash Chautala.

He said there were no two Opinions over condemnation of the violence, but added that, “there were some differences in perception, on Meham. There were not just two opinions but many nuances.”

However party sources said some members wanted a re-poll in the constituency while some wanted Chautala to step down.

Congress (I) leader Bansi Lal called for the dismissal of the OM Prakash Chautala government, dissolution of the Haryana assembly and imposition of president’s rule in the state as, he said, the law and order situation had gone out of control and the army and Para military forces had been called in.

In a statement Bansi Lal expressed shock at the happenings in Meham, the constituency from where Chauthala was contesting and condemned the killings of innocent persons.

At least 10 persons were killed in clashes in the constituency following allegations of large scale rigging and booth capturing during the by-election.

He said chief minister Chautala, who is also deputy prime minister Devi Lal’s son, home minister Sampat Singh, transport minister Dharambir and senior police officers involved in the killings should be immediately arrested.

Bansi Lal said that his sympathizers were with the people of Mecham, “who are victims of Devi Lal’s family’s atrocities:

Bansi Lal said that he wanted to visit Meham to personally offer condolences to the members of the bereaved families but could not do so on medical advice.

“I will visit Meham as soon as the doctors allow me to do so,” he added.

Article extracted from this publication >> March 9, 1990