SJULLUNDER: Punjab will have parliamentary elections when other parts of India will have parliamentary poll. It was announced by Governor S.S. Ray at a press conference held. Asked if elections in Punjab would be held simultaneously with parliamentary poll he said, “I cannot say this.” Mr. Ray said that process of panchayat (village government) elections will be started in May and completed in September. He said that after that Punjab will have parliamentary poll along with the rest of the country.
The governor said that President rule could not be substituted for popular rule and it will have to end Sooner the better. The president rule can only end if the situation justifies it, he added.
Asked what use the panchayat election would have when existing panches and sarpanches elected village chiefs in Punjab are treated shabbily as in Batala by police. Governor said, “there is wide difference in the perception of the situation in that district. It is neither black nor white but there is large gray area, one has to be very cautious before taking any decision.”
Ray said that though the majority of the Panchayats have spoken against the police chief a few supported him also.
The governor said that Prime Minister was aware of the situation and “I have no doubt that he will take correct steps.” The review of the Punjab situation in a meeting with the central ministers early this week clearly demonstrated his involvement in Punjab, the governor added.
Beware of Anti Sikh Rumours
Article extracted from this publication >> April 7, 1989
