AMRITSAR: it is Gurcharan Singh Tohra again. He or his nominee is likely to become President of S.G.P.C. in place of Baldev Singh Sibia, ‘The election is scheduled for November 13. The number of members of.G.P.C.is 114, Most of these members belong to the group headed by Parkash Singh Badal, Badal appears determined to oust Sibia from the post conflict of interest has developed between Badal and Sibia because the later belongs to Muktsar the area to which Badal also belongs. The former Chief Minister does not want anyone else to grow in that area. Sibia also fel foul of Tohra. An impression was allowed to be created by him that he is under no influence of Tohra and has personality of his own. This impression was fostered by some of Sibia’s associates including S.G P.C. secretary, Harinder Singh Khalsa, ‘who publicized Sibia’s alleged independence and Tohra’s dispense ability, Since Badal cannot do without Tohra, he sought to sponsor his ‘candidature for the post. At the same time efforts were made both by Badal and Tohra to enlist Talwandi’s support who has a few soli supporters in the S.G.P.C. The post was offered to Talwandi but he declined it, Talwandi is aware of the pitfalls of holding the post. Sibai initially made an impression on militants when he called a conclave at ‘Anandpur Saheb against the state repression but the direction to which the anti-repression movement took subsequently made the militants suspicious of the intentions of Akalis. They called upon Sibia to dissolve the anti-repression committee. He showed reluctance.That alienated militants from him. This gave an opportunity to Badal and Tora to isolate Sibia and ditch him. The result was that Sibia was voted out of power in the executive committee of the S.G.P.C. last ‘week to pave the way for his ouster from the post.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 15, 1991
