Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, Rajiv Gandhi has asserted that his party would form the government in Punjab. He also discounted all talk of secret arrangement with the Akalis of leaving the state for them to rule.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: Congress (1) nominated Member of Parliament; Mr. Khushwant Singh has said that congress (1) victory in Punjab would be a disaster and take the situation back to square one.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: Don’t you think the fielding of weak candidates by congress (I) and Khushwant’s apprehensions sufficiently expose the hollowness of Rajiv’s claim?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
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Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, no organization, party or individual in Punjab or elsewhere has threatened to disrupt the elections there.
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: United Akali Dal has categorically stated that the party is opposed to disrupting the elections. The party has only called for a boycott.
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: How is it that the government spokesmen are shouting themselves hoarse in charging that Sikhs have threatened to disrupt the elections? Don’t you think it is being purposely done in order to later claim that Sikhs failed to disrupt the elections?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
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Journalist: Mr. Ambassador, S. Parkash Singh Badal, former Chief Minister of Punjab has declared that the first task of Akali ministry would be to eliminate “terrorists.”
Ambassador: That’s right.
Journalist: S. Surjit Singh Barnala, Acting President of Akali Dal, has also issued a similar statement indicating his determination to finish “terrorists.”
Ambassador: Very correct.
Journalist: Don’t you think both these leaders are trying to establish their credentials with Rajiv in order to secure his all-important support for Chief Minister ship?
Ambassador: Not in national interest to disclose.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 27, 1985
