In a sudden turn of events, Governor Banwarilal Purohit has tendered his resignation as the Punjab governor and administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh, leaving the political landscape in shock. The unexpected announcement follows a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, adding a layer of intrigue to the unfolding narrative.
In a brief yet impactful letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, Governor Purohit cited ‘personal reasons’ and ‘certain other commitments’ as the driving force behind his decision. The move comes in the aftermath of the Chandigarh mayoral poll controversy on January 30, where the BJP’s Manoj Sonkar clinched victory amid accusations of ballot tampering by the Congress-AAP alliance.
Governor Purohit’s tenure has been marked by consistent clashes with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab. From withholding important bills to terming Vidhan Sabha sessions ‘illegal,’ the relationship between Purohit and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been strained. The controversies escalated over issues ranging from appointments to institutions, adherence to legal procedures, and constitutional propriety.
The rift between Purohit and Mann reached its pinnacle in February 2023 when the AAP government decided on the budget session. The governor expressed concerns about a ‘derogatory and unconstitutional’ letter from the CM, prompting legal advice considerations. The Supreme Court criticized both leaders for being ‘derelict’ in their duties and advised upholding constitutional protocols.
In October 2022, the Punjab government moved the Supreme Court against Purohit over alleged delays in approving various bills. The government accused him of causing ‘unconstitutional’ inaction, bringing the administration to a halt. Purohit’s approval came later for two of the three bills, further intensifying the power struggle.
Beyond the political battles, Purohit, a three-time Lok Sabha member from Nagpur, reserved three bills for the President’s consideration in December. His tenure also witnessed calls for the removal of Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak over allegations of sexual misconduct. The governor remained a vocal advocate for addressing the drugs problem in Punjab, suggesting the formation of village defense committees in border districts.
As news of Purohit’s resignation reverberates through the political corridors, reactions from various quarters pour in. The AAP, including CM Mann and cabinet ministers, has consistently accused Purohit of acting at the behest of the BJP and conspiring against their government.
With Governor Purohit’s sudden exit, Punjab finds itself in uncharted waters. The political landscape awaits the appointment of a successor and anticipates the unfolding chapters in this intriguing saga. As the dust settles, questions linger over the impact of this shakeup on the state’s governance and political dynamics.
Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving political drama!
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