LUDHIANA: The BIP would give a new direction to the politics of Punjab and would work o promote social harmony and prosperity i the state,

This was stated by the BUF president, Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, while addressing a news conference here Friday.

Dr. Joshi added that the fear among the people was gradually receding and it was the duty of the government to create congenial Conditions for the people to cast their votes.

He said that in urban areas, the people were becoming bolder and women too were participating in public rallies while the election propaganda was gaining strength

He admitted that there was an impact of the boycott movement launched by the Akalis and the Sikh Students Federation, But he hoped that this would change. The boycott move might influence certain pockets, he added.

Dr. Joshi was of the view that the Punjab bandh call for 48 hours would not affect the entire state Particularly when campaigning had received impetus,

He felt that the Akali leaders should not have been clubbed with the militants by booking them under TADA. Preventive detention could be done in a different manner, he said,

The BIP president said that his party had been pressing for action against the guilty of the 1984riots. Even resolutions mourning the Killing had been passed at their rallies. Now the BJP would move a resolution in the Lok Sabha to on dole the death of those killed in the 1984 rots,

Dr. Joshi completed a three day election tour of Punjab.

Article extracted from this publication >> February 28, 1992