After the unimpressive performance of the ruling alliance Akali Dal-BJP alliance in the recent Lok Sabha polls, the relations between the two partners are already at a new low, with each side holding the other responsible for defeat. The ties received a further jolt recently, when Manoranjan Kalia, a senior BJP leader and the Industries Minister, alleged that S S Makkar, an Akali Dal MLA, had hurled abuses at him. BJP asked for “strong disciplinary action” against Makkar and threatened to approach the Speaker to move a privilege motion in the Assembly. It finally took the intervention of the CM to resolve the matter. Parkash Singh Badal personally took Makkar to Kalia’s house and made him apologise. His initiative worked as Kalia said that the “matter was resolved”. He said he was “deeply touched by CM’s gesture.”

Tehsildar beaten up, Govt staff on stir

In an instance of total anarchy, supporters of a local Akali Dal leaders, publicly thrashed Major (Retired) GS Benipal, posted as Tehsildar in Ludhiana. The Akalis were ‘miffed’ with Major Benipal as he had refused to listen to their ‘directions’ despite having being ‘warned’ on two previous occasions. The seriously injured Tehsildar was admitted to hospital where he gave names of some local leaders including a Ludhiana Councillor, Kawaljit Karwal. When eventually, Karwal arrived at the police station, the SHO on duty, was so ‘overwhelmed’ that he made him sit in a special air-conditioned room and served him refreshment. The incident provoked strong reactions from far and wide. Governor S F Rodriguez called for a detailed report of the instances while revenue officials in the state struck work. Numerous civil organisations carried protests. The Chief Minister had to personally intervene again. Karwal was expelled from the party, another Councillor, S S Bains, who was named in the attack, surrendered before the police, while the SHO was suspended for having showing extraordinary ‘hospitality’ to the accused.

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