Akali Dal in Punjab Politics : Splits and Mergers/Kuldeep Kaur. 1999, x, 242 p., $24. ISBN 81-7629-128-5.

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Dominance of rural-jat-sikhs: the split in Akali Dal and merger under Batala resolution. 3. The clash of personalities: Sant Fateh Singh and Gurnam Singh. 4. Dharamyudh Morcha: clash between organisational and Ministerial Wings of Akali Dal. 5. Militant akali groups: formation and unity under the Directives of Akal Takht. 6. Police entry into Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple): intervention of Akal Takht into Merger of Akali Dal. 7. 1989 Lok Sabha elections: disintegration and unification of United Akali Dal for initiating dialogue with the centre.8. 1991 Lok Sabha Elections: split and merger of Akali Dal to protect the Sikh interests from the Congress regime. 9. Conclusion. Recent developments in Akali politics. Appendices. Bibliography. Index.

"This book analyses the phenomenon of Akali splits and mergers over a period of time so as to develop a holistic view of the nature of Akali politics. The earlier studies on Akali factionalism do it in a piecemeal manner but do not answer the intriguing question as to what exactly makes these warring factions part company and then reunite with their erstwhile adversaries. Some important factors such as nature of state's political culture, the Akali Party's organisation, the role of Sikh High Priests, the ruling party at the centre and other parties and leaders of the Punjab state have been involved in shaping the intra-party factionalism and their eventful split or rejoining of hands to forge unity." (jacket)

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