Controversies are a prelude to elections. But this one strikes a jarring note. The official residence of Amritsar Deputy Commissioner near Customs Chowk has become the bone of contention between the former DC and now Special Secretary to CM KS Pannu and incumbent Bhagwant Singh.

They have taken the matter to the state election authorities. In an informal missive, Bhagwant informed state’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Kusumjit Sidhu last week that he “cannot effectively perform” his duty as the district electoral officer as Pannu was not willing to vacate the house.

She took no time and issued a notice to Pannu, asking him to vacate the residence as it was hampering the Lok Sabha election management in the constituency. However, after Pannu gave a detailed written reply, explaining that his family had to stay there as his children had to take their examinations, Sidhu allowed him to retain the house, but with a rider that he will not enter Amritsar constituency, as per the election code of conduct.

But the issue didn’t settle here. During the visit of Sidhu here yesterday, she snubbed Bhagwant and told him to concentrate on work instead of raking up trivial issues.

Notably, Bhagwant has been living at Bachat Bhawan rest-house, which has more than eight rooms, office and even a large conference hall. “I feel this is a non-issue and election authorities were unnecessarily involved in it. The matter could have been amicably resolved,” said a senior official of the district administration.

Interestingly, Bhagwant’s assertions held no water as there are two more rest-houses, including the posh one of the PWD, at his disposal. While this issue has been the talk of the town, Bhagwant kicked up yet another controversy yesterday when the CEO pulled him up for various lacunae in the voters’ lists and issuance of voters’ identity cards. He told her that the officers were “not cooperating with him”.

Then, Sidhu asked all the officials to cooperate, and asked him to see that the model code of conduct was in full force. “By complaining like this, the DC has created rift within the officials,” said sources.

Ever since Bhagwant has been transferred here last month, he has been surrounded by rows. Last week, people gheraoed his office in protest against a tehsildar’s continuous absence from the office. His posting had also come under the scanner, as he allegedly belongs to the city and no officer can be posted in his hometown during the elections.

Meanwhile, Bhagwant said, "I understand that Pannu has a genuine problem, and I am fine at the present accommodation." When asked about his complaint to the election official, he said initially he had a problem, but now that has been sorted out.