United Front to form stable Govt

From Our Correspondent

Amritsar, February 12

The Shiromani Akali Dal today claimed that Punjab would soon have a stable United Front Ministry with the backing of 59 members, including 43 members of the Akai Dal, eight of the Jan Sangh, two of the CPI (M), two of the SSP, one of the PSP and one of the Swatantra Party and two Independents.

Both the General Secretaries of the Akali Dal, Mr Jiwan Singh Umranangal, MLC and Mr Atma Singh, told pressmen that the United Front Government would undertake various tasks of public welfare and the State’s development soon after assuming office. It was evident from the results of the mid-term poll that all the Congress leaders had been badly defeated and the Akali Dal in common with its other partners of the United Front, would soon see the Congress completely wiped out from Punjab. The voters had given their verdict and had rejected the Congress leadership because of “the prevailing corruption and misrule”.

Click here for a larger view of The Tribune Page 1 published on February 13, 1969

They further said that the formation of the United Front Government would be announced soon after their talks with the other constituents of the United Front, who were naturally busy consulting their respective parties.

They also discounted rumours of any office-seekers in the Akali Dal indulging in any manipulations or manoeuvring and asserted that the community was solidly united under the leadership of Sant Fateh Singh. Even the leader of the Legislature Party would be unanimously elected.

The Akali Dal High Command today remained busy assessing any weaknesses in its poll machine or in adjustments with the other parties. Almost all the leaders assembled here were extremely sorry at the defeat of Dr Baldev Prakash, President of the Punjab State Jan Sangh. 

Pavate to ensure good Govt in Punjab

From Our Special Correspondent

Dr D C Pavate, Governor of Punjab, said here today that he wanted a popular Government to take over in the State as soon as possible.

Answering questions at a Press conference this evening, he observed that when the newly elected Akali Legislators elected a Leader of their party and the Leader met him, he would ask him if he was in a position to form the good, stable Government.”

The Government added that the first six months of “President’s rule” in Punjab would be over on February 22 but hoped that a new Government would be formed in the State sooner than that.

Asked if he would meet leaders of the other political parties as well, Dr Pavate observed that he would see, if necessary, all party leaders who thought they could form a Government. He had to satisfy himself; he might have even to count the heads with that end in view.

In reply to further questions he said that his information so far did not go beyond what had appeared in the Press.