CHANDIGARH: Akali Dal chief S.S. Mann welcomed the unity moves among various factions initiated by P.S. Badal. In an interview Mann said Mann said the former chief minister had made an appeal for unity in all humility and politeness declaring that he was willing to approach anyone barefoot and with folded hands.
Our religion says that anyone who approaches you with folded hands must not be turned away, Mann said.
Tarlok Singh, father of Salwant Singh and senior vice president of Dal-M also welcomed Badal’s move. He said there was nothing wrong in welcoming back those who had gone astray but wanted to return. Mann said Surjan Singh Thekedar a Dal-B leader had met him at his village in Patiala and showed him a letter from Badal authorising Surjan Singh for holding panthic unity talks,
Mann said he had convinced a meeting of his party executive and Jathedars at Moga soon to discuss the issue.
According to observers this a trap laid by Badal. The Badal faction is totally isolated among Sikh and wants to sneak back into the mainstream group and sabotage it from within.
Badal it may be recalled is close to the Central government and to Devi Lal in particular who has awarded a big project to Badal’s son in Hargana.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 27, 1990
