Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit Resigns Abruptly, Steps Down as Chandigarh Administrator

Chandigarh: In an unexpected turn of events, Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit has tendered his resignation from the gubernatorial post and simultaneously stepped down as the Administrator of the Union Territory (UT) of Chandigarh. The UT serves as the joint capital for the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana.

Purohit, an 83-year-old veteran politician with a history of being associated with both the Congress and the BJP, submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu. In a brief letter, he attributed his decision to “personal reasons and certain other commitments.”

His resignation marks the end of an eventful tenure that began on August 31, 2021, when he assumed the roles of Punjab Governor and Administrator of Chandigarh.

During his tenure, Purohit found himself embroiled in various issues, particularly facing disagreements with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab. These conflicts reached the Supreme Court on two occasions, reflecting the complex dynamics between the gubernatorial office and the state administration.

In his resignation letter, Purohit expressed, “Due to 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.”

As Punjab and Chandigarh anticipate a change in leadership, the sudden departure of Banwarilal Purohit is expected to prompt discussions on his successor and the potential implications for the political landscape in the region. The veteran leader has previously held gubernatorial posts in Assam, Meghalaya (additional charge), and Tamil Nadu, making his resignation a notable development in the Indian political arena.