CHANDIGARH: The decision of the four major factions of the Akali Dal and two wings of the Sikh ‘Students Federation wo boycott the ensuing elections has been described as “unfortunate” by various political parties and organizations here.

‘The Union Minister of State for ‘communication Rajesh pilot who ‘was here in connection with the foundation stone laying ceremony of Rs 110crore Fujitsu India Telecom Limited said that the decision of the Akalis was “unfortunate”.

The government was sincere in its efforts to solve the Punjab problem and end the Akali feeling of mistrust in the Union Government It was proposed to implement the Rajiv Longowal accord ‘on a time bound basis.

He admitted that he had established links with a few major factions of the Akali Dal. None of them wanted any assurance from the government except that the feeling of “mistrust” must go. The government was considering several proposals including the ‘wan transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab.

He said he was not aware that Rajiv Gandhi while addressing an election meeting here in May last year had announced that ‘Chandigarh would be retained as Indian Territory.

He denied having any altercation with the Haryana Chief Minister Bhajan Lal in the corridors of

either North Block or South Block. “I met him only at Faridabad a few days ago” he said.

He parried questions about his possibility of getting in touch with the major factions of the Akali Dal.

Meanwhile the Punjab units of the BUP and the CPI have also described as “unfortunate” the ‘decision of the Akalis to boycott the elections.

‘The BIP leaders appealed to the ‘Akalis to reconsider their decision. Madam Lal Khurana Krishan al Sharma and Dr. Baldev Parkash after a meeting of the election ‘committee of the state unit of the party told newsmen that to end the present bureaucratic rule and to restore the democratic process it was important for every political party to participate in the elections.

‘The BIP leaders maintained that its state leadership had been approached by the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee for putting up joint candidates to fight the anti democratic forces

The BIP they said was exploring the possibility of a common front with other parties except the Congress which had unilaterally “announced its decision to contest all 13 Lok Sahba and 117 Assembly seats ‘The CPI and the CPM have already decided t0 contest jointly six Lok Sabha and 60 Assembly ‘seats. The BJP their leaders said would also contest seven Lok Sabha and 60 Assembly seats. ‘Asked how the BJP could enter into a poll pact with the Communist parties who were ideologically ‘opposed to them the BJP leaders maintained that they were ready for an alliance with anyone opposed to the antinational forces.

 ‘The BJP would finalize its lst of candidates on January 21. A two member committee comprising Dr.Baldev Parkash and Madan Mohan Mittal would contact Leaders of various political groups.

They assailed the statement of the Union Home Minister that a Punjab package was under consideration and added that such ‘statements added to the confusion.. ‘Talking about Chandigarh the BP leaders demanded that the Prime Minister should call a ‘meeting of all political parties on the issue.

The Punjab CPI appealed to the ‘Akalis to reconsider their decision as they boycott would “perpetuate the Punjab tragedy and block a political settlement”.

The CPI appealed to the Prime Minister to transfer Chandigarh to Punjab and aid Haryana in building its capital.

Article extracted from this publication >> January 31, 1992