GENTLEMAN POLITICIAN

Surjit Singh Barnala, who passed away recently, was a moderate Akali and a gentleman politician known for his humility even as he held high offices such as those of chief minister and governor. He, along with Sant Harchand Singh Longowal, was the architect of the Punjab Accord. His stature stands out in the context of erosion of internal democracy in the Shiromani Akali Dal, which now has become a Badal family affair. LAJWANT SINGH, AMRITSAR