Banwarilal Purohit, serving as the Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator, tendered his resignation on Saturday, citing “personal reasons.” The unexpected development comes in the midst of political upheaval following the BJP’s victory in the Chandigarh mayoral polls, a day after Purohit’s meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
In his resignation letter, Purohit expressed, “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.”
Political Backdrop: BJP Triumph and Allegations
Purohit’s resignation closely follows the BJP’s significant success in the Chandigarh mayoral polls, securing all three posts. This victory dealt a blow to the Congress-Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alliance, leading to allegations of ballot paper tampering from the opposition, despite the BJP’s electoral triumph.
The legal battle intensified when a division bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court denied interim relief to the AAP, which had sought fresh polls under the supervision of a retired judge. Subsequently, the Supreme Court on Friday agreed to consider the plea of an AAP councillor, seeking an urgent hearing challenging the high court order.
Meeting with Amit Shah and Political Strife
Purohit’s resignation comes a day after his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. The timing of the resignation raises questions about its connection to the political dynamics, especially given the ongoing tensions and legal disputes surrounding the mayoral polls.
The BJP’s sweeping victory in Chandigarh had political ramifications, with the Congress-AAP alliance raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. The opposition’s accusations of ballot paper tampering have added a layer of complexity to the post-poll scenario.
Past Strife with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann
Banwarilal Purohit had previously been at odds with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over various issues. The friction between the two had been a source of contention, and Purohit’s resignation may contribute to the evolving political landscape in the region.
As the political scenario in Punjab and Chandigarh remains fluid, Purohit’s resignation adds another dimension to the ongoing developments. The aftermath of the mayoral polls and the legal challenges faced by the electoral process continue to shape the political narrative, leaving room for further scrutiny and analysis.