CHANDIGARH: Simranjit Singh’s seat in the Lok Sabha may be declared vacant if he continues to absent himself without permission for more than 60 days.
A telegram to this effect was received by Mann. Mann replied that he would not change his stand on the Kirpan issue. The Telegram told Mann that he had already absented himself for 53, days and that he should seek permission for further abstention,
Ram Jethmalani in a letter has urged Mann to revert to the path of cooperation failing which his party would find a new leader who would be adequately lead at this crucial juncture.
Expressing personal disappointment at the statement of Mann on April 30 in Bathinda calling for a plebicite, Jethmalani said this showed Mann’s derailment largely due to his frustration.
Jethmalami said Mann should have appreciated the govt caution. He said the need of the hour was a leader who had the confidence of the militants. His letter said the people were not interested in the foolish controversy Mann had created on the Kirpan but in restoring peace in Punjab.
No one responded to Jethmalanis call to replace Mann in fact most of the leaders in Punjab issued statements condemning the ‘humiliating’ letter. Mann himself did not react saying his family was too beholden to Jethmalami
Article extracted from this publication >> April 27, 1990
