LUDHIANA: Akali Politics took a new turn when three factions merged to form Shirmoni Akali Dal with Jagdev Singh Talwandi as President and Simiranjit Singh Mann as Patron. Merger of Akali Dal Mann, Akali Dal Talwandi and Akali Dal Longowal was announced by Capt. Amrinder Singh and Sewa Singh through a statement signed by former Chief Minister Surjit Singh Barnala and signed by Jagdev Singh Talwandi. Capt. Amvyinder Singh stated that Mann’s signature could not be obtained because he was detained in Bhaglpur Jail but he claimed that Mann had agreed to the three point unity formulae when he had met in December last.
Ina statement released at a hurriedly summoned press conference claimed that the three Akali groups have united under one banner and have authorized Talwandi to give more representation to various Akali groups on the working committee. According to the formulae Mann will scrutinize the organizational political aspects of the party. Talwandi will arrange enrollment of primary members and complete the process of organizational election and the election of the President.
Capt. Amvinder Singh clarified that Akali Dal Mann (which has agreed to merge) was the faction belonging to Sant Ajit Singh and Sucha Singh Chhotepur and added that March 16th convention of the Dal would be held as scheduled at Teja Singh Samundri Hall, Amritsar. It would be representative meeting of the elected party representatives ex M.L.A. delegates and $.G.P.C members. He called the Dal members to attend the meeting in large numbers and endorse the merger.
In reply to a question he said that Baba Joginder Singh and his Dal are welcome. In another question he said that Barnala would attend the Amritsar meeting.
The Akali Dal Longowal is Acting President Tota Singh said that he was not aware of the Akali Dal factions unity. He said it was not in his knowledge as all the rights for unity were vested with Sujit Singh Barnala. I cannot confirm till Barnala’s return from Nagpur where he has gone on party work. The political circles feel that this unity move of Akali Party is part of the government plan taken to counter the Khalistan Movement. This is part of the following four point steps taken by the government.
- The first point is a determined effort to combat terrorism especially in the mound area and border districts fully backed by the central government for this purpose.
- Launching of development process at the district level. Punjab governor is to give final touches to this plan.
- Restoration of normalcy: Bringing back police stations to their normal duties to fight back crime. 4. Innitiaing a democratic process by holding panchayat elections as a precurser to further restoration of parliamentary system in Punjab and to insure installations of Akalis in power.
After the restoration of normalcy special laws will be repeated Voluntary defense committees will also be formed and pro congress people will be involved in developmental work.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 17, 1989
