The Surjeet Singh Barnala Chat
Surjeet Singh Barnala readily agreed to appear on the Rediff Chat when Syed Firdaus Ashraf spoke to him on Monday. The vice-presidential hopeful -- widely recognised as one of the few decent men in Indian politics -- answered questions from Rediff readers with quiet passion. Even though he is not the front-runner in the Veep race, clearly, this is one man who would do that high office proud.
Surjeet Singh Barnala (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:10 IST)
Everyone: Hello, ladies and gentlemen. I am ready for your questions that you want to ask me.
Mukund (Tue Jul 22 1997 20:4 IST)
Mr Barnala, Sir what do you think about T N SESHAN losing? Would he have made a good president? By the way your biggest opposition is in the form of Dr Najma Heptulla, what do you think are your chances?
Surjeet Singh Barnala (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:13 IST)
Mukund: Mr Seshan was supported by the Shiv Sena and no other party in the country supported him. So he could not succeed. Dr Najma Heptulla has not been adopted as a candidate by the Congress party so far. They are still considering whether they should field the candidate or not. The matter perhaps will be decided by 25th July.
Anil Deshmane (Tue Jul 22 1997 20:5 IST)
Hello sir, what is your opinion of the Punjab government and their policy towards the Punjab police?
Surjeet Singh Barnala (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:17 IST)
Anil Deshmane: Complete harmony amongst the people of Punjab, particularly between the Hindus and Sikhs, is prevalent in Punjab. It is a peaceful state and the administration is running fairly well. There are cases against some police officers who were responsible for transgressing their mandate or using powers beyond their scope. These cases were initiated by the courts, The high court in some cases and the Supreme Court in other cases. And it was on the orders of the court that the cases were initiated against the police officers.
Ashani Sankhet (Tue Jul 22 1997 20:11 IST)
Hullo I understand that you have little chance of winning the election. Why then are you in the fray? Are you making a point?
Surjeet Singh Barnala (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:19 IST)
Ashani: No, there are good chances of my success in this election. My party projected me because they thought I was the most suitable candidate for this high post. I expect support from all right thinking members of Parliament.
Sat Sri Akal (Tue Jul 22 1997 20:12 IST)
Do you believe the ISI is involved in the bomb blasts in Punjab?
Surjeet Singh Barnala (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:21 IST)
Sat Sri Kal: There has been no direct evidence of the involvement of the ISI so far. But the ISI continues to take advantage wherever possible to disrupt normal life.
Anil Deshmane (Tue Jul 22 1997 20:13 IST)
Sir, what is is the Punjab government's strategy in terms of stepping up the intelligence effort and coordination with the Centre? (In light of the train blasts)
Surjeet Singh Barnala (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:23 IST)
Anil Deshmane: The Punjab police has been interacting with the police of the neighbouring states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi. And for such occasions they work in coordination. Special cells have also been created to collect intelligence from various sources.
Happy Arora (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:10 IST)
Good evening Mr Barnala, what is your assessment of India as a democracy 50 years after Independence. It is a general view that we have largely been a successful democracy, but there are areas where we have failed. In your opinion what are the areas we have faltered in?
Surjeet Singh Barnala (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:25 IST)
Arora: Indian democracy is on a very sound footing. That is why it has lasted so long. When it has failed in some neighbouring countries, it has also survived in adverse conditions like the one prevailing now when a minority government is running successfully.
anurag (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:15 IST)
Mr. Barnala, the morale of the Punjab police is low. These people sacrificed their lives and sometimes their families to help reduce militancy. What is your opinion of the punjab government's policies along with the left wing so- called "human rights groups" who have their own hidden agenda to subvert the police efforts?
Surjeet Singh Barnala (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:29 IST)
anurag: It is wrong to say that the morale of the Punjab police is low. In my view, the Punjab police is one of the best forces in the country, they have the best equipment and facilities. They have been doing excellent work and their morale is high. By prosecuting some of the police officers guilty of excesses cannot affect the morale of the police generally. /FONT>
Happy Arora (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:15 IST)
Mr Barnala, what will be your greatest priority if you become vice-president. What chances have you given yourself in getting that post?
Surjeet Singh Barnala (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:34 IST)
Arora: This is primarily a constitutional post. The vice- president is also chairman of the Rajya Sabha and his main function becomes the conduct of proceedings in the Rajya Sabha. But as vice-president, he is chancellor of some university also. And being a senior personality, he has to guide the affairs of the country also in many ways. Corruption is the main problem in the Indian context at present. And ways have to be found out how to deal with the situation. And to improve the morale of the people. Unfortunately, moral standards in the country have gone down. An all out effort is required to face this problem.
anurag (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:18 IST)
What is your opinion of the PM who has decided that friendly relations with Pakistan at all cost is the most important item on his national agenda? This, despite the fact that the ISI has stepped up the push for militancy in India in both Punjab and Kashmir. Does Pakistan not see Gujral as a PM who is sending a signal that all will be forgiven and forgotten? Shouldn't we be promoting peace from a position of strength (the way western countries do)? The peace achieved under current circumstances can neither be strong nor permanent.
Surjeet Singh Barnala (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:40 IST)
Anurag: At one time, India and Pakistan was one country. Though we have been hostile since Partition this should not be allowed to continue forever. Being neighbours, we have to improve our relations and the small gestures on the part of India and Pakistan favouring each other have proved successful in creating a better understanding. To my mind this policy should continue and will be beneficial for both countries. People of both countries are desirous of friendship, though the governments because of their compulsions carry on with the hostile attitude. After a long time, an effort is being made by both the governments to improve relations. It should be welcomed by one and all.
Raj Reddy (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:35 IST)
Mr Barnala: Do you think Gill and his men have got a raw deal after all their sacrifices in curbing militancy in Punjab? Do you support the Akali-BJP government's policy of harassing policemen?
Surjeet Singh Barnala (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:44 IST)
raj: The Akali government is not hostile to the police. And the police in Punjab is performing its services in the best possible manner. Gill and some of his officers had exceeded the mandate which the police officers normally exercise. It was only because of the excesses committed by some police officers -- killing and torching innocent people -- that cases were initiated against them by the previous Congress government. No case has till today been initiated against any police officer by the present government so far.
Manj (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:21 IST)
Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa Wahe Guru Ji Ki Fateh Barnala JI we heard that the SGPC is celebrating the 300th birthday of Khalsa and is inviting many dignitaries like the Pope, Dalai Lama and other religious leaders. There were many questions raised by the Cyber Sikh Society regarding that. Can you let us know who are included in the list mainly from local leaders like Nirankaris or Radhaswamies etc.
Surjeet Singh Barnala (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:48 IST)
Manj: Nirankaris and Radhaswamis don't claim themselves to be Sikhs as such. Guru Gobind Singh who created the Khalsa order asked Sikhs to be amrit dhari. Nirankaris and Radhaswamis do not believe in the cult of the Khalsa that is why they have not been invited.
Happy Arora (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:23 IST)
Mr Barnala, as a leading Indian politician you have been closely associated with national politics. What is your stance on Laloo Prasad Yadav's alleged involvement in the fodder scam? What is the Bihar crisis going to lead to?
anurag (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:38 IST)
Since you are running for VP this is an appropriate question. What do you think the role of a government should be? What should be any government's top 5 priorities? If you were PM what would your priorities be in terms of the nation?
Surjeet Singh Barnala (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:55 IST)
Happy Arora: The case is now pending in court. And the court has to take a decision, so it is not proper for me to comment on that since the matter is sub judice. Anurag: The first priority of any government should be: To keep the peace, to feed the people, to educate people, to maintain a substantial standard of living and to provide necessary amenities of life, like water, housing, transport etc. It is necessary for a government in a country like India to take proper care that its entire population have sufficient food and there are no cases of starvation. Clothing and shelter are also priorities, health care and education are the next priorities.
Raj Reddy (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:44 IST)
Mr Barnala: Has the prime minister sent the wrong signals by admitting that he is unable to do anything as far as corrupt politicians were concerned? Does it not strengthen the impression a weak PM is at the helm, dithering on crucial issues?
Surjeet Singh Barnala (Tue Jul 22 1997 21:59 IST)
Raj: He has only mentioned the realities of life that prevail in our country. He is a sincere man and made the statement from his heart as he realised the situation prevailing in the country. No question was asked to him regarding remedies, otherwise we would have come out with remedial measures also. EVERYONE: WELL LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, IT WAS A GOOD CHAT SHOW AND I WAS DELIGHTED WITH THE QUESTIONS ASKED BY YOU. AND I HOPE THAT YOU WERE SATISFIED BY MY ANSWERS. HOPE TO SEE YOU SOME OTHER TIME, TILL THEN GOOD BYE.
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