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Inder Kumar Gujral might be the first Punjabi Prime Minister of
independent India. But this has not changed the stand of Akali Dal
(Badal). The party has resolved not to support the new United Front
Government headed by Mr Gujral.
This decision was announced here on Sunday by Akali Dal President
Prakash Singh Badal while addressing a press conference.
The SAD supremo said that his Party could never back a Government
which is in power with direct or indirect support of the Congress
party. Badal said that the understanding between the Akali Dal and
the Bharatiya Janata Party is based on certain principles, and it
cannot be discussed often. He said that Akali Dal has always acted
on the politics of principles.
However, Badal congratulated Mr Gujral for becoming the Prime
Minister of India.
He expressed his hope that for the first time a Punjabi has become
the Prime Minister and he would resolve the issues of Punjab.
He said that a lot of injustice has been heaped on Punjab for the
last 50 years, despite the enormous sacrifices that Punjabis made
for the freedom of India.
The Chief Minister refused to comment as to how long the new United
Front Government would continue at the Centre.
Meanwhile,, it was reported that Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral
had asked Mr Surjeet Singh Barnala on Sunday to join his United
Front Government.
Consequently, Mr Barnala contacted Mr Prakash Singh Badal at
Ludhiana but Mr Badal made it clear to Barnala that Akali Dal would
not compromise on its principles for power.
Akali sources said that Mr Barnala wanted to join the Union
Government. Discussions continued for a whole day.
Mr Barnala was offered even the post of Deputy Prime Minister. But
this had little effect on Mr Badal. He stuck to his guns.
In fact, Mr Badal does not want to lose the support of the present
coalition partner Bharatiya Janata Party at any cost.
Joining the UF Government means souring the relations with the BJP.
Political experts have opined that the BJP has cooperated very much
with the Akali Dal.
Besides this, is the role played by the BJP's Delhi State
Government in the conviction of the culprits of 1984 riots.
Akali Dal has been able to create confidence among the Sikh
community.
In 1989, when Parliamentary elections were held Akali Dal
(Amritsar) had snatched the sup. port base of Sikhs from Akali Dal
(Badal) and Akali Dal (Badal) could regain its respect only after
the elections of SGPC held in 1996.
And as such Akah Dal (Badal) may have to lose much by supporting
the UF Government at the Centre formed with the direct or the
indirect support of Congress party.
Akali Dal (Badal) chief Mr Prakash Singh Badal has clearly
cautioned all the leaders not to compromise party principles for
power.
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