NEW DELHI: In a significant development the central leader ship of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has acceded to a request of the BJP to canvass for it in the ensuing assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. The BJP high command has expressed its willingness for the party’s alliance with the SAD in the coming municipal elections in Delhi. In fact, it is said to have left it to the president of the SAD, Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, to finalize the issue. In a meeting held here between the former Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, and Mr. Badal, the importance of UP elections figured prominently. Mr. Vajpayee urged upon the SAD leadership to participate in the election campaign to further bolster the prospects of the BJP. The Secretary General of the SAD, Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, and Mr. Sukhvir Singh Badal, Mr. Prem Singh Chandumajra and Mr. Amrik Singh Aliwal (all parry MPs) had accompanied Mr, Badal to Mr. Vajpayee’s residence, the venue of the meeting. Mr. Badal impressed upon Mr. Vajpayee that he would not be able to devote much time in UP on account of the SGPC elections in Punjab. The BJP’s effort to rope in Mr. Badal and senior Akali leaders in the UP elections is understand able. The BJP leadership is keen to get an absolute majority in the assembly of the politically important state. The BJP leader ship, like all political parties, is credited with the view that the election results would have far reaching consequences on the national politics.
As it is, a debate is already on in various political quarters on the possible bearing the results would have on the stability of the United Front government at the Center. The BJP’s move to en list the SAD leaders in the crucial elections is considered to be a practical step from the party’s point of view. The Sikh populace has strong presence in about 40 assembly constituencies in the areas of the central, western and Terai belt of the state.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 18, 1996
