NEW DELHI, India: Chief Minister Surjit Singh Barnala left for Chandigarh after a two days stay in the capital fully assured of Center’s continued support to his government in tackling problem’s facing the Punjab. Chief Minister and Finance Minister Balwant Singh had a 45 minute meeting with the Prime Minister and used this time to give him the detailed analysis of the political analysis of the situation in the state.
The role of the anti-National forces and freedom fighters, the fluctuating law and order situation and the position of the ruling Akali Party in respect of no confidence motion proposed to be taken up on Monday in the State Assembly are the subjects understood to have been taken up in the discussion. Mr. Gandhi who listened to the views of Sujit Singh and Balwant Singh is learnt to have assured them of total political and administrative support on the part of the Centre. The Centre would be ready as it has been in the past to offer such assistance as Punjab government might require in combating violence and restoring normalcy.
The Prime Minister’s assurance is of significance in the context of wide spread report circulating i Punjab and Delhi that the Centre was having second thoughts in respect of its support to Barnals government. There had been suggestions both from within the Congress (I) and opposition parties that the Centre should impose President’s rule in Punjab because of rise of violent incidents and deterioration of law and order situation.
The Union Home Minister, Buta Singh had reiterated the Center’s continued support to Barnala during the debate on Punjab situation in both houses of Parliament. Despite this certain misgivings persisted in political circles over Centre’s stand.
The delegation of Akali Dal Badal group led by Amarinder Singh, meanwhile, continued efforts in New Delhi to persuade B.J.P. and Janata leadership to Support its motion of no confidence.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 19, 1986
