NEW DELHI, India: The Lok Dal and B.J.P. alliance ministry headed by Mr. Devi Lal was sworn in at Haryana Bhawan New Delhi along with five other colleagues by Mr. S.N.H. Bumey, the Governor of Haryana. The other ministers who had taken administrative oath of secrecy are Mr. Banarsi Das Gupta (Finance), Mr. Inder Singh (Irrigation and Power), Mr. Sampat Singh (Industry), K.L. Punnia (Panchayats & Development) and Mr. Surjan Bhan of B.J.P. (Revenue). The ceremony was witnessed by thousands of people from Haryana. The distinguished persons who were present at the ceremony included Sh. N.T. Rama Rao Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, B.J.P.

Party Chief L.K. Advani, Mrs. Vijay Raji Scandal Kapoor Thakar and H.N. Bahuguna.

After the swearing in ceremony, Mr. Devi Lal announced his full support to Mr. Zail Singh if he agrees to become an opposition candidate for the post of the president of India. He said that the views about the choice of Mr. Zail SIngh as a candidate are his personal one but he hoped that his party will also agree to it.

Giving his reaction to RajivLongowal Accord, Mr. Devi Lal declared that he was opposed to clause 7 and 9 of the Accord. He also rejected the Eradi Commission report on the distribution of river waters. He severely criticized Rajiv Gandhi and his party men including Arjun Singh, Natwar Singh and Arun Nehru. He praised Mr. V.P. Singh, former Defense Minister for his honesty and integrity. He also invited him to join his party as the honest people have no. place in the Congress (I).

Announcing his policy programme, he declared to give priority to the completion of S.Y.L. Canal. He also announced to give priority to irrigation and power and eradication of corruption. After assuring the office of Chief Minister Ship, Mr. Devi Lal issued two orders to his officers: 1. to waive off the loans up to Rs. 20,000 to all the farmers and poor people. 2. To sanction old age pensions to all persons of more than 55 years before the end of this month. However, the industrial loans will have no effect of this order, favoring farmers of Haryana.

Article extracted from this publication >>  June 26, 1987