The President promulgated an ordinance amending the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, thus imposing a total ban on all political parties or their office-bearers from receiving foreign contributions directly or indirectly. The government also acquired additional powers to audit the accounts of organisations receiving such contributions.
For the first time, judges are also covered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. Judges have been debarred from accepting foreign contributions and foreign hospitality from now on. The prohibition on political parties and their office-bearers from accepting foreign contributions is “absolute and no exception can be granted to any party”.
Longowal Adamant
Harchand Singh Longowal, president, Shiromani Akali Dal (now detained under National Security Act), categorically stated that “there will be no compromise with the government on basic demands. We will come out of jails after securing our rights and demands and not on the basis of any compromise. We, the Sikhs, will live in our country, as equal with others and not as second rate citizens”.
The text of Longowal’s interview to two Supreme Court advocates was released by the Akali Dal headquarters to the press.
New Political Party
The formation of a new political party, the Dalit Mazdoor Kisan Party, comprising the Lok Dal, the Democratic Socialist Party and the Rashtriya Congress was announced.
At a press conference, the presidents of the three parties, Sharan Singh, H N Bahugana and Ratubhai Adani, said the new party would have electoral adjustments with other left and democratic parties including the Bharatiya Janata Party.
