AMRITSAR: The acting chief of the Damdami Taksal, Baba Thakar Singh announced the merger of the Akali factions headed by Simranjit Singh Mann and Baba Joginder Singh and nominated Mann to head the party at a news conference in the Golden Temple complex here Sept.24,
Referring to the exclusion of the Akali Dal (Manjit), Baba Thakar Singh said that Bhai Manjit Singh refused to relent on the leadership issue and backed out of hte commitment to merge with the two factions.
Bhai Manjit Singh, who had a meeting with the Damdami Taksal chief, reportedly pleaded for more lime to discuss the issue with his advisers, the announcement by Baba Thakar Singh has closed the doors for further negotiations.
The widow of Sant Karta Singh, a former head of the Taksal and mother of Bhai Manjit Singh, was present at the meeting to influence Baba Thakar Singh to name Bhai Manjit Singh as leader of the united Akali Dal.
A fortnight ago, Baba Joginder Singh, Mann and Bhai Manjit Singh had handed over their resignation letters to Baba Thakar Singh and authorized him to appoint the new leader to head the united Akali Dal to be announced by September 20.
According to informed sources, Mann would soon announce the working committees and other office bearers of the party in constitutions with Baba Joginder Singh.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 1, 1993
