Political storm erupts over Bhattal’s claim of market and train blasts

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu) – A statement by former Punjab Chief Minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal has stirred state politics. Bhattal claimed that while she was Chief Minister, some officials made highly objectionable and dangerous suggestions to regain power, which she immediately rejected.

According to Bhattal, the officials involved proposed using explosives in markets and trains before the elections to create a panic and intimidate people into voting as they saw fit. She said that as soon as this suggestion was put to her, she sternly rebuked the officials and stated clearly that she would not play politics over dead bodies.

The former Chief Minister stated that he had clearly warned

officials that if any untoward incident occurred before the elections, full responsibility would be fixed and strict action would be taken against the officials involved. Bhattal stated that officials offer various types of advice to the Chief Minister, but it is the Chief Minister's prerogative to accept or reject it. He had severely reprimanded officials who offered such advice.

Rajinder Kaur Bhattal's tenure was brief but significant.

She became Chief Minister on November 21, 1996, and served until February 11, 1997. She was appointed Chief Minister following the resignation of Harcharan Singh Brar. She is the only woman Chief Minister of Punjab to date.

Political rhetoric has intensified following Bhattal

's claim. Punarsurjit Akali Dal president and former Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh targeted the Congress, saying the statement clearly demonstrates how the Congress party gained power. He alleged that an atmosphere of terror was created by officials during the Congress government and demanded an investigation into the officials of that time.

Meanwhile, Congress spokesperson Durlabh Sidhu said that the names of the officials who made such a suggestion should be made public. He clarified that this issue was not raised in any Congress party meeting and has nothing to do with the party. Sidhu said that the public has a right to know who those officials were who had an anti-national mindset.