Splinter Akali groups promise third front

Chandigarh, Jan 2 (UNI) Rejecting the appeal of main opposition Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Parkash Singh Badal for 'Panthic' unity against the Congress ahead of the ensuing Punjab assembly elections, smaller factions - Akali Dal (1920) and Akali Dal (Majha) - today declared that they would soon merge to form a third front.

Addressing a joint press conference here, Akali Dal (1920) president Ravi Inder Singh and Akali Dal (Majha) chief Raghuvir Singh Rajasansi claimned that Akali Dal (Longowal) would also join the proposed front.

Dissident, Akali Dal (Longowal) leader Inderjit Singh Zira was present at the press conference and claimed that the party cadre had disowned their leader Prem Singh Chandumajra.

Claiming that Mr Chandumajra had been ''expelled'' from Akali Dal (Longowal), Mr Zira said he was now heading the party.

Mr Chandumajra had asked Mr Zira to clarify his position within 15 days about addressing a joint political rally with Congress in Ferozepur district on December 28 and his public declaration to support former state DGP M S Bhullar's son Kuldip Singh Bhullar (Congress), if fielded from Zira constituency.

Today's press conference was called amidst rumours that Mr Chandumajra would soon be joining the Badal-led SAD.

UNI