LUDHIANA, Punjab, India: Mr. Joginder Singh Mann may not continue as Convener of the United Akali Dal.
An indication to this effect was available here when Mr. Mann met Baba Joginder Singh and other leaders of the UAD opposed to the Bandala marinder Singh faction.
Mr. Mann was closeted with Baba Joginder Singh after a meeting of the UAD Presidium and Council convened by the Baba here,
Both are understood to have discussed the crisis in the UAD arising out of the expulsion of two party leaders and five members of the SGPC by the faction led by the Badal Amarinder Singh faction at Patiala.
The Baba and certain other UAD leaders are understood to have expressed their displeasure ‘over the acceptance of Convener ship by Mr. Mann at Patiala
Sant Ajit Singh, Mr. Suecha Singh Chhotepur and Mr. Harcharan Singh Rode are reported to have told Mr. Mann that he should have stood by the decisions of the June 26 meeting at Alamgir.
Mr. Mann told the Tribune that he would abide by the wishes of the Baba. He said the Baba’s family had made big sacrifices for the Sikh community and he had come here “to request him to do some more sacrifice” so that there was peace in Punjab.
When pressed to divulge if he had discussed about the formation of a seven member committee as authorized by the meeting at Patiala, he said, “I will abide by the “Hukam” of Baba Joginder Singh.
Mr. Mann also told UAD leaders at the residence of Mr. Tejwant Singh Grewal: “The Baba is my leader”.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 22, 1988
