BHOPAL: How did the high command tame Mr. Arjun Singh after two days of hectic activity?

Sources in Raj Bhawan corroborate the reports about the Union Home Minister, Mr. Buta Singh, having shown some files to Mr. Shiv Mohan Singh, the father-in-law of Mr. Arjun Singh, and hinted that some of the dossiers could lead to “some party men being driven out of the ruling party and, into the goal.

The files related to cases which some supporters and relatives of the former Chief Minister were facing Mr. Shiv Mohan Singh a former Director General of the CRPF had held key police posts during Mr. Arjun Singh’s previous stint as the Chief Minister. He superseded many senior officials.

Mr. Shiv Mohan Singh’s meeting with Mr, Buta Singh was followed by a telephone conversion between the Prime Minister and Mr. Arjun Singh. This was about an hour before Mr. Arjun Singh threw in the towel.

A press statement which had Mr. Arjun Singh’s personal touch was circulated immediately afterwards asking his supporters to abide by the Prime Ministers advice. He however convinced the Central observers that he could still afford to aggravate the crisis unless the high command decided against imposing the Union Railway Minister. Mr. Madhav Rao Scindia. This was accepted and Mr. Vora’s name was suggested as alternative choice. It was agreed to reluctantly.

Mr. Arjun Singh is also reported to have brought the high command observers around to accept that there will be no reprisal against his supporters.

That the Arjun Singh group was facing a fait accomplice was obvious from the interviews to which the party MLAs was subjected individually on Monday shortly after the Chief Minister submitted his resignation to the Governor. While majority of them were allowance to go after being asked about their educational qualifications and family background, those suspected to be the close supporters of Mr. Arjun Singh were asked to give their choice in order of preference. Sources said the interviews could come handy to the high command while screening the candidates for the next collections, If Mr. Arjun Singh has decided to part with the high command his supporters should also be prepared to do so. Some members of the Arjun Singh group had also signed blank papers supporting Mr. Digyijay Singh as some supporters of Mr. Arjun Singh had managed to convince them that his name had the Prime Minister’s consent. The subsequent developments may have jeopardized Mr. Digvijay Singh’s political prospects also.

Article extracted from this publication >>  February 10, 1989