CHANDIGARH: The Akali Dal (L) is learnt to have proposed to Akali Dal (T) to set up a working committee giving a proportionate Representation to all factions to achieve the so called Panthic unity. According to informed sources this proposal had been discussed. Between the Presidents of the two factions. It has been proposed that the working committee should continue till next assembly elections and the process of organizational elections should be initiated after the Assembly polls.

Barnala and his supporters have also proposed to the Talwandi group to recognize Sant Harchand Singh Longowal as a martyrs as part of the joint policy. What has activated various Akali factions is the indication about the likelihood of Assembly elections around May 1989.

The President’s rule ends in May. Balwant Singh faction in the Akali Dal (L) has favored the constitution of a five member council to run the party affairs till the next organizational structure. But sources say that it was not acceptable to Mr. Talwandi. According to reports the two. Factions are likely to sit together and announce merger sometimes later this month,

Meanwhile, Barnala faction has appointed Mr. Tota Singh as the acting President of the Akali Dal(L) and a three member committee comprising Barnala, Balwant Singh and Tota Singh has been constituted to complete the process of merger with the Talwandi Akali Dal.

Article extracted from this publication >>  January 20, 1989