AMRITSAR: Bhai Manjit Singh, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Manjit) last week criticized the traditional Akali leadership ted by Parkash ‘Singh Badal for extending “un conditional’ support to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Center.

While addressing a press conference here at his residence, Bhai Manjit Singh supported the Third Front and extended the front his party’s “moral Support.” He gave call to likeminded parties in Punjab to come together to form the Third Front in Punjab to oppose the BJP and the Congress.

Bhai Manjit Singh said that he was in Constant touch with leaders of the Akali Dal (Mann), Bharti Kisan Union {BKU), Panthic Council, Sant Samaj, Damdami Taksal and Jagmeet Singh Brar to form the Third Front in the ‘Stats. He appealed to Akali leaders like Surjit Singh Barnala, Jagdey Singh Talwandi, and Sukhjinder Singh to revolt against Badal and join hands with “progressive” forces.

Bhai Manjit Singh said that people of Punjab had voted for Badal out of resentment against police repression, killings of the Sikh youth, and corruption in government among other issues. He said that Badal had betrayed the interests of Punjabis to the BJP. He said that the Akali Dal had always advocated autonomy for states whereas BJP was opposed to this. Bhai Manjit Singh said that it was true that the BJP had raised its voice against Delhi riots but it had not spoken a word regarding police atrocities on Sikhs and Operation Blue Star.

Bhai Manjit Singh said that he was going to Delhi next week to meet the National Frontend regional party leaders from other states. He said that he had already talked to V.P. Singh over telephone. Bhai Manjit Singh said that he would raise the issue of release of all Sikh prisoners including the Akal Takht Jathedar Bhai Ranjit Singh.

Bhai Harminder Singh Gill, president of the All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF), who contested against Akali Dal candidate from Tarn Taran, was satisfied with his performance in the election, adding that his party was not fully prepared and lacked funds of campaigning.

Article extracted from this publication >>  May 22, 1996