31-07-2025
July 31, 1985, Forty Years Ago: Golden Temple Clash
The Akali Dal (Longowal) has called upon all Sikhs to observe 'Shukrana Diwas' (thanksgiving day) on August 16 to hail the Centre-Akali accord on Punjab. Earlier, gunfire and violence, in which around 30 persons were injured, erupted outside the Teja Singh Samundri hall following a clash between members of the moderate Akali Dal (L) and the extremist 'United' Dal. None was, however, seriously injured. The episode lasted around 45 minutes.
Heat on Bhajan Lal
Amidst noisy protests from the Congress-I benches, the Opposition parties in the Rajya Sabha demanded the resignation of Haryana Chief Minister Bhajan Lal. The Janata Party leader in the House, M S Gurupadaswamy, speaking on behalf of Opposition leaders, provoked a loud chorus of protests when he demanded that Bhajan Lal resign to ensure that the inquiry ordered into the charges against him is fair.
New Haryana Capital
Top town planning experts from the world will be consulted for Haryana's new capital, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal told newsmen in Chandigarh. While announcing the setting up of a high-level site selection committee of senior officers, the Chief Minister gave the assurance that the state's new capital would be beautiful and better than the city of Chandigarh in all respects. The committee has been asked to submit a report within three months.
India Disowns Munna
The Festival of India authorities clarified that Munna, the dancing bear, was sent to Paris for the festival by the Indian Hotels Corporation — the Taj group. Although Munna, whose recent kidnapping received wide press coverage, attended the inaugural mela in Paris, it was not under the aegis of the Government of India. The Indian Hotels Corporation retained Munna's services after the event to 'amuse patrons' of their restaurant in Paris.
