CHANDIGARH: Understand by the defeat of its candidate, the Akali Dal (Badal) seems to be determined to defeat the designs of Gurcharan Singh Tohra, who may use the Akal Takht to mount an onslaught on its president, Parkash Singh Badal,
Apprehending some action from the Akal Takht against Badal for not responding to the unity initiative launched by the acting Jathedar, Manjit Singh, earlier this year, the party is finalizing its strategy.
The Akali Dal (Badal) leaders, preferring anonymity, argue their case convincingly against interference by the Akal Takht acting Jathedar in the Akali factional politics. It is pointed out that the party constituted under the patron age of Akal Takht might invite the wrath of the Chief Election Com missioner, T.N. Seshan and be debarred from contesting Assembly or Parliamentary elections.
Yet another basic issue involved in the unity of Akali factions is ideology. Even the Akali Dal (Amritsar) leaders give different interpretations to the Amritsar Declaration adopted by it and the party lacks cohesion. The unity has to be principle and ideology based.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 2, 1994
