WSN Service
CHANDIGARH: There is a move afoot to unite the Akali Dal Mann and the Akali Dal Badal. The issue was reportedly discussed at a meeting former legislature party leader of the Akalis Capt. Amrinder Singh had with S. Simranjit Singh Mann recently according to political observers,
The meeting was held at a forest rest house on the outskirts of Chandigarh March 4. Mr. Mann who was earlier admitted to the General Hospital here shifted to the rest house 2 days earlier.
Capt. Amrinder Singh reportedly told Mr., Mann that unity would not only strengthen them but would also pave the way for a possible solution to the Punjab problem. He also wanted Mr. Mann to consider the offer in view of recent developments which were affecting the image of Akali Dal M. He told Mann that not only the AISFF which were the architects of his recent Lok Sabha victory had split; the party was also losing ground as indicated by the defeat of his candidates in the state assembly elections in Rajasthan.
- Mann was told that since he wanted a solution within the framework of the constitution he should not shirk from holding talks with the National Front govt. S. Mann did not make any commitment. Political observers say he might take a few days to think over the Akali unity move. The realization that on the one hand his clout in Punjab had been affected and the Delhi Govt was getting disillusioned may prompt him to take an early decision according to Akali Badal sources.
There is a possibility of S. Mann being offered president ship of the new party in case he agrees to the unity proposal.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 9, 1990
