CHANDIGARH: Most of the major Indian political parties have ganged up to oppose any assembly election in Punjab now long overdue. This follows the unexpected and complete support of the masses to the Sikh youth leaders.
The last assembly election in the state was held in 1985 when the Congress I maneuvered an accord with Longowal to “ensure” a majority.
Devi Lal the Dy PM is keen on an accord preferably with a consortium of Akalis before permitting a government to assume office in Chandigarh.
It is being suggested that Akalis or “neo Akalis” led by S.S. Mann should agree to allow Haryana and Rajasthan the use of Punjab water before the youth in jails are set free. That is why the center’s approach was criticized in setting free certain detainees especially by Harkishan S. Surjeet a leftist leader.
These apologists in’ the Congress-I, BJP, CPI have all claimed that the law and order situation would not permit elections. They demanded that even the constitution which says central rule in Punjab cannot be extended beyond two years, be amended.
Meanwhile the government has called an all-party meet on Thursday to reach a “consensus” on the Punjab issue.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 15, 1989
