punjab

Updated: Mar 22, 2017 09:54 IST

Chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh has allowed his predecessor Parkash Singh Badal free-of-cost government accommodation of his choice “as a goodwill gesture.” The existing policy, which would now be tweaked, does not provide for official residence to former chief ministers in the state.

This comes two days after HT reported that the Shiromani Akali Dal patriarch who remained CM five times, was looking for a private house after vacating his official residence in the city. This, because Badal neither remained the CM nor became leader of the opposition for the first time in 20 years.

A government spokesperson said the SAD leader will get an official residence of his choice to stay till the time he desires. “The necessary policy changes are being made to accommodate Badal,” the spokesperson added. CM Amarinder has also accepted Badal’s request to provide him with two stenographers and doctors, besides official vehicles and security.

Incidentally, the previous Congress government’s policy (2002-07) allowed for government accommodation to former chief ministers but it was revoked by the SAD-BJP regime under Badal.