CHANDIGARH: The Hindu fundamentalist BJP has now veered round to the view that election should be held to the Punjab Assembly. The party is also in favour of negotiations being continued with
Mann within the democratic framework. Earlier, the party’s position was that talks should only be on the basis of the present Constitution. Also, the party has changed its stance on the inter-state matters and wants that S.Y.L. canal should not be built on the ground that Punjab does not have surplus water to spare for Haryana. Lastly, the party is even prepared to hold a dialogue with militants,
How is it possible when Punjab does not have surplus water? Surplus water is flowing to Pakistan as a gift of Rs 700 crore per year, he said in an interview on Jan 9.
Dr Prakash said in order to divert Ravi water to Haryana it was necessary to complete thein on river Ravi but it is not going to be completed in next 20 years, he added,
He questioned Mr Devi Lal for his announcement, when no formal agreement existed between Punjab and Haryana on diverting the water.
Dr Prakash said that his party would stage a protest if water was diverted to Haryana. We are not against supply of water to Haryana but it cannot be done at the cost of Punjab, he asserted.
The changes in the BJP position are evidently the result of mounting militant pressure in almost all districts of Punjab despite the deployment of the Army by the Chander Shekhar government.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 18, 1991
