Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit Resigns Citing Personal Reasons

In a surprising turn of events, Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit has tendered his resignation on Saturday (3 February), stepping down not only from the governor post but also relinquishing the role of administrator of the Union Territory (UT) of Chandigarh.

In a brief letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, Purohit cited personal reasons and other commitments as the grounds for his resignation.

The 83-year-old, who assumed office on 31 August 2021, highlighted his decision in the letter, stating, "Due to personal reasons and certain other commitments, I tender my resignation from the post of the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh. Please accept the same and oblige."

Also Read: Bengaluru's Traffic Woes: Slight Improvement In Global Congestion Rankings, But Still India's Most Congested City

During his tenure, Purohit had found himself in contentious situations, particularly with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab.

This had led to legal conflicts, even reaching the Supreme Court twice.

On 10 November 2023, the top court had pulled Purohit over delay in giving assent to five bills that were passed by the Punjab Assembly. 

Meanwhile, Banwarilal Purohit had met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Chandigarh on Friday (2 February).

Their meeting came days after the BJP registered a landslide victory in the Chandigarh mayoral polls, retaining all three posts, and caused a setback to the Congress-Aam Aadmi Party alliance that alleged rigging of ballot papers by the presiding officer.

Also Read: 'Eradicating Sanatana Dharma' Row: Bengaluru Court Summons Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin On 4 March