Barnala's success would hinge on his election promises, including the implementation of the Rajiv-Longowal Accord, and ameliorating Sikh discontent by publicly resenting Blue Star. Barnala and his ministers, including Amarinder Singh, who would later defect to Congress in 1992, would release hundreds of Sikh detainees, provide jobs to victims of state repression, rehabilitate Sikh army deserters and riot victims, and refuse to visit the government-built Akal Takht, which was torn down and rebuilt by the Sikh community. As part of the balancing act, Barnala's Akalis would continue to solicit support for the Accord from the United Akali Dal and AISSF, as both the AISSF and Joginder Singh, as the father of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, were still respected for their sacrifices, and they would praise Barnala for his efforts with Sikh detainees and victims, though they would continue to call on Sikh youth to "struggle to face the black deeds of the [central] government and for unconditional release of all [remaining] detained Sikhs."
