What demand did a faction of Akalis raise during the 1970s?
1) Economic reforms
2) Political centralization
3) Religious conversions
4) Regional political autonomy

Choose the correct answer from the given options:

4

A section of Akalis during the 1970s began demanding increased regional self-governance or political autonomy for the region.

During the 1970s, a faction of the Akali party initiated a call for increased regional self-governance within the region. This sentiment was evidenced by a resolution that was ratified during their conference at Anandpur Sahib in 1973. The Anandpur Sahib Resolution firmly advocated for regional autonomy and sought to restructure the dynamic between the central government and the states in the nation. This resolution also expressed the ambitions of the Sikh qaum (community or nation) and articulated its objective as achieving the bolbala (dominance or hegemony) of the Sikhs. Essentially, the Resolution aimed to fortify the principle of federalism in India.