This is the front page of The Indian Express published on May 07, 1986. 2 min read May 7, 2026 06:40 AM IST First published on: May 7, 2026 at 06:40 AM IST The Barnala ministry, which was reduced in size by the resignation of three dissidents, was expanded with the swearing-in of 21 new ministers — one cabinet minister, 18 ministers of state, and two deputy ministers. Two ministers of state have been promoted to cabinet rank. BJP to support Akalis The national executive of the Bharatiya Janata Party endorsed the decision of its Punjab units to support the Barnala government to help it avert the crisis faced by it in the wake of “betrayal” by a section of the Akali Dal. The party vice-president, K S Hegde, briefed reporters about the national executive decisions. However, he ruled out the BJP joining the Akali government. Devastating acid fumes It is happening just 100 km from New Delhi , where laws are being framed to save the environment.…