CHANDIGARH, India: Formation of a coalition government in Punjab on the Jammu and Kashmir pattern is on the anvil, according to newspaper re~ ports, Informed sources say that the two parties have reached a broad agreement on the proposal mooted by a powerful lobbying in the Centre, The details will be worked out after the forthcoming assembly sessions, One of the proposals under consideration is to put the Assembly under suspended animation for a brief period. There are indications that certain non-legislators may be inducted as minister sin the event of a coalition government replacing the Akali Government. Certain prominent Hindus may find place in the government to end the alienation of the community. As already reported the Centre has sounded certain political parties about the formation of an all-party government in Punjab .The response of the non-Congress (I) opposition parties was lukewarm. The Prime Minister in a public announcement extended full support to Barnala, Congress (I) circles’ point out that it was not confined to party’s support to Barnala government in the forthcoming Assembly Session, but it was an assurance that the Congress (I ) would go whole hog to ensure that the battle against violence was carried out successfully. There is realization at the Centre that Mr. Surjit Singh Barnala’s effectiveness has been seriously undermined by certain elements at the Centre and within the Akali Dal. The move to form a coalition government is aimed at isolating those elements. Indications are ~ that the Prime Minister is now depending more and more on Arjun Singh’s advice in handling the Punjab problem. It was on the hint from Rajiv Gandhi that Mr. Sujit Singh had a prolonged meeting ‘with Arjun Singh during his recent visit to Delhi, The Centre has noted with concern that freedom fighters have succeeded in broadening their base and have intensified their activities It has come to the conclusion that only Congress (I) Akali Dal coalition government can survive.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 19, 1986
