NEW DELHI: The Shiromani Akali Dal would seek the support of all political parties, including the BJP, in Punjab to defeat the Congress in the general election, according to its president, Parkash Singh Badal. Releasing Dal’s manifesto for the ensuing Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) poll, July 1, Badal said the Congress was the number one enemy of his party. ‘Answering a question about his party Joining the National Front, he said his pany had not decided the political developments in UP and the consequent turmoil was weighing heavily ‘on the minds of the central leaders of his party. ‘The president of the SGPC.
Gurcharan Singh Tohra, was also present along with the central leaders of the DalS.S, Bamals, Kuldeep Singh Wadala, Prem Singh Chandumajra ‘and Manjit Singh Calcutta.
The Dal promised, that if returned to power in DSOMC, it would take all measures to press for an amendment to the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee that the elections were held every four years, The DSGMC elections were being held after a gap of nearly 17 years.
Moreover, it would set up an autonomous board, consisting of both elected members of the DSGMC and academicians for better administration of the academic institutions run by the DSGMC it would also constitute a finance committee headed by ‘an economic expert to streamline the administration.
.Another commitment made in the manifesto is to take measures for the release of the head priest of Akal Takht, Bhai Ranjit Singh, presently serving life sentence in ‘Tihar Jail in connection with the Nirankari Baba murder case.
Badal asserted that his party would with the DSGMC poll win an overwhelming majority.
Referring to open revolt by leaders of the Mann and Babbar factions of the party, he said there were no factions after the unity.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 7, 1995
