CM’s ‘largesse’ to Bhattal irks AAP

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 23

Leader of Opposition Sukhpal Khaira today flayed Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh for “indulging in favouritism and nepotism” by paying back Rs 84 lakh penal rent levied on former CM Rajinder Kaur Bhattal for overstaying in her official bungalow (House No. 45 Sector 2, Chandigarh).

Khaira alleged that it was a perfect example of wrong priorities and feudalism by Amarinder, particularly at a time when Punjab was under a debt of more than Rs 1 lakh crore.

He said the CM could have used Rs 84 lakh for writing off the debt of many small and marginal families.

Former Deputy Speaker Bir Devinder Singh too has objected to the refund of penal rent paid by Bhattal. Calling the move 'blatant favouritism', he claimed that there was no such statuary provision that permitted such a refund.