Poll-wise Mann changes path
From Varinder Walia
Tribune News Service

AMRITSAR, Aug 7 — Deviating from the demand for "Khalistan", Mr Simranjit Singh Mann, President, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), candidate of the "united front" from the Sangrur Lok Sabha seat, has announced that his party would endeavour to strengthen the hands of the Hindu community in the state as they formed the backbone of the state’s economy.

"Without the presence of Hindus, we cannot perceive Punjab as a prosperous state".

It may be mentioned that while addressing a gathering at the time of the tercentenary celebrations of the Khalsa Panth at Anandpur Sahib on April 13, Mr Mann had announced he would secure "Khalistan" for the Sikhs. However, the organisers of the convention, mainly supporters of Mr Gurcharan Singh Tohra, had announced from the dais that Mr Mann’s agenda was a personal one.

On the demand for "Khalistan", Mr Mann said: "No comments".

Earlier, he held a meeting with Bhai Ranjit Singh, former Jathedar, Akal Takht, and discussed the poll strategy at length. He said Bhai Ranjit Singh had agreed to address his election rallies.

Mr Gurjatinder Singh Bhikhiwind, Bhai Ram Singh, both General Secretaries, Mr Iqbal Singh Tiwana, Mr Dhian Singh Mand, a former member of Parliament, and Mr Charn Singh Lohara, all senior leaders of the SAD (Amritsar), accompanied Mr Mann during his meeting with Bhai Ranjit Singh.

Mr Mann, in a communication to the Chief Election Commission has urged that the CRPF be put on poll duty in Punjab, especially in the Sangrur Lok Sabha constituency from where he is contesting. He has alleged that the ruling SAD-BJP combine has plans to rig the poll. He has also said Mr L.K. Advani, Home Minister, has offered every kind of help, including "moneybags", to defeat him (Mr Mann).

He has asked the CEC to take action against Mr Advani and Mr Parkash Singh Badal for "violating" the code of conduct.

Talking to TNS, Mr Mann said his party would launch a movement to re-instal Bhai Ranjit Singh as Jathedar of Akal Takht after the elections.

In a significant statement, he said his party had reached seat adjustment with the Janata Dal led by former Prime Minister Deve Gowda and Samajwadi Janata Party led by Mr Mulayam Singh Yadav. He said talks were in progress to have a poll alliance with former Prime Minister Chander Shekhar.