Bhattal's appointment not to help her retain official

The Punjab government today clarified that the likely appointment of former chief minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal to the Punjab State Planning Board was in no way linked to retention of her official accommodation in the city's high-security Sector 2.

An official spokesperson said Bhattal's appointment to the post of vice-chairman of the coveted body was solely based on her merit and vast experience.

"The suggestion that Bhattal's likely appointment is to facilitate her in retaining the said accommodation is unfounded," he said.

"If Bhattal was appointed to the coveted post, which was previously held by eminent industrialist Rajinder Gupta and former Punjab BJP chief Rajinder Bhandari, it would be on account of her vast experience and expertise in state administration as former chief minister," the spokesperson said.

With Bhandari's resignation, one of the two posts of vice chairperson of the Punjab Planning Board, had fallen vacant. The same had to be filled following proper procedure, he said.

"Any move to link the possible appointment of Bhattal with enabling her to retain the government accommodation is a figment of imagination," the spokesperson added.