AMRITSAR: The Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president, Mr. Varindra Kataria, admitted that the large “army” of ministers in the Harcharan Singh Brar ministry was not in the best interests of the public.

Addressing reporters here, he said he had spoken to the Chief Minister on the large size of his ministry, The aspirations of the people should be kept in mind while a upon the size of the ministry, He said the District Congress Committee nominee will be announced soon. ‘When questioned about the charges of corruption that were leveled against certain Congress leaders who were ministers in the late Beant Singh’s government, the PPC chief admitted that corruption did exist during Beant Singh’s regime. But Beant Singh’s one point program was to eradicate militancy as a result of which corruption Went unchecked, he quipped.

Mr. Kataria said besides infusing discipline and a sense of dedication into the state Congress unit, he had also set his eyes upon “cleaning” the party, Criminals, antisocial elements and me “deadwood” would not be permission to join the party he added.

Replying to a question on the RajivLongowal accord, be said that it was still relevant and should be implemented, However, changes or additions in the accord can be made as a great deal of time has lapsed since the Signing of the accord and moreover, the leaders who signed the accord are no more he added.

Regarding the reorganization of the State party unit, Mr. Kataria, a Rajya Sabha member, said he would consult the party’s central high command and Senior Congress leaders of the state before forming his team.

The process for selecting Congress candidates for the 13 Lok Sabha seats in the state had begun and a list of likely contestants had been prepared, ho said while replying to another query. Earlier, Mr. Kataria addressed a party rally where he asked the workers to sink factionalism and start preparing for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls. He also warned that indiscipline in the party would not be tolerated. The PCC chief also visited the Golden Temple.

Prior to Mr, Kataria’s arrival, the Supporters of the Municipal Corporation Mayor, Mr, Om Parkash a and those of All India Youth Congress Chief Maninderjit Singh Bitta indulged in slogan shouting against each other at the Circuit House here.

As tempers ran high, the police had to intervene.

Article extracted from this publication >>  February 28, 1996