In a surprising turn of events, Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Banwarilal Purohit has tendered his resignation from his official duties, citing “personal reasons.” The resignation comes on the heels of a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi.
In his resignation letter, Purohit stated, “Due to my personal reasons and certain other commitments, I tender my resignation from the post of governor of Punjab and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh. Please accept the same and oblige.”
The timing of Purohit’s resignation, just a day after the BJP’s triumphant victory in the Chandigarh mayoral polls, securing all three posts, raises questions. The Congress-AAP alliance, dealt a blow by the BJP’s success, has alleged ballot paper tampering despite the election results.
In a recent development, a division bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court denied interim relief to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which had sought fresh polls under the supervision of a retired judge of the court. The Supreme Court, on Friday, has agreed to consider an urgent hearing of an AAP councillor’s plea challenging the high court order.
Purohit’s resignation adds a new layer to the political dynamics, especially given his past disagreements with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over various issues. The circumstances surrounding his departure are likely to be closely scrutinized in the days to come.
