AMRITSAR: Due to the election commissions letter for the amendment of the constitution, the Akali politics is in turmoil. From all evidence the Akali factions are inclined to toe the line of the election commission to enable them to get registration. They are making all concerted efforts to join in the election fray in coming parliamentary elections. But they are withholding there many feelings because of the reaction from the Sikh masses.
In this connection, a new pressure group, known as so called Sikh intellectuals has started pressuring them to accept the proposal of the election commission to enable the Akali factions to contest the ensuing elections. These intellectuals include Lt. General Harbakhash Singh, Justice Gurdev Ginsh, Justice R.S. Bindra, and Ajit Singh Sarhadi. These persons belong to Sikh Intellectual Council, of which R. S. Gill the father of the present police chief in Punjab. K. P. S. Gill, is a prominent office bearer.
Furthermore they are the ardent supporters of the RajivLongowal. Accord. They are now playing the Congress I card at the instance of Delhi rulers and intend to throw the Akalis in the lap of the bosses in Delhi. They are practically dancing to the tune of Rajiv Gandhi.
Infect they are trying to grab some rewarding offices by trying to please their bosses.
According to the political insiders the Sikh intellectual council has called all the Akali factions to Patiala, in an effort to persuade them, for accepting a proposed amendment in their constitutions.
It is worthy to mention that the election commission of India has written separate letters to all the Akali Factions, to make an amendment in their respective constitutions, making it mandatory to separate the religion from politics.
Earlier the Akali Dal(MAN’ ) faction had filed a writ petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, though its secretary Gurtej Singh and Ex IAS officer, against the directive of the election commission.
In their writ petition, it was argued that the proposed amendment is a direct violation of the philosophy of Miri Piri of the Sikh religion. But the high court turned down, its plea and dismissed the petition.
The Akali factions are eager to participate in the fourth coming elections, but are afraid of making any amendments of the above mentioned nature, because of the anti-reaction from the Sikh masses.
Due to this, the controversy of separating religion from politics is still continuing in the state, According to the observers no group of Akalis can take the risk of defying the philosophy of Miri nad But according the insiders Akali faction led by Jagdev Singh Tale wandi, Manjeet Singh Calcutta and Prof. Darshan Singh Ragi, are hobnobbing with the government and trying to find a way out of this stalemate.
According to, the latest information, the Akal Dal (T) has decided to make some additions to their constitution in order to clarify their position vis a vis the requirements of Election Commission of India.
An indication to this effect was available after the party’s working committee meeting held at Amritsar this Sunday.
According to its secretary Calcutta, the committee has authorized its president Jagdey Singh Talwandi to take a decision to meet the election commission or not. Calcutta also claimed that Akali Dal (T) will follow its constitution passed by the general house, Calcutta however refused to confirm or deny the news that the additions are being made to its constitution to satisfy the election commission.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 11, 1989
