LUDHIANA: The all Indian vice president of the Bharatiya Janata Party Krishan Lal Sharma on Sunday observed that the situation was a not suitable for holding elections in Punjab at the moment.

Talking to newsmen here Sharma said the government should not stand on any false Prestige about keeping the date of February 15 for holding elections. “He said still some more time was required to remove the element of fear from the mind of the people and to enable all Akalis groups to participate in the election process.

Sharma who was speaking at the conclusion of the state level eta yatra” here on Sunday urged the government at the Center to {ix the election schedule in consultation with various political parties which have to contest these elections.

Welcoming the Prime Ministers suggestions for fielding common candidates during Punjab poll Sharma said so far there had been no direct contact between the parties on this topic. He appealed to be Congress (I) to take a lead in this context and assured that the BJP would respond favorable” “The BIP senior leader asked if the Chief Election Commission “of India: Which poisoned the previous elections in June last at the 11th hour had made an assessment of the law and order situation in Punjab. He said the election date should be fixed only after taking into account this as assessment that of the law enforcing agencies of the state and discussing an call that political parties which have to contests the polls.

Observing that Punjab elections would be meaningless without the participation of Akalis Sharma asked the government to hold negotiations with Akali leaders 19 persuade them to take part in polls and ensure that all top Akali leaders themselves contested. He also called upon the Akali leaders to join the election fray whenever poll is held. He recalled that in June lst elections also they were contesting the elections.

In reply to a question Sharma remarked that it appeared that this would be the first time that the Prime Minister would not have visited the trouble torn Punjab before announcing the much delayed elections here He appealed to Narasimha Rao to pay visit to study the ground situation and address the state level advisory committee meeting slated for January 9 at Chandigarh.

Article extracted from this publication >> January 17, 1992