Punjab governor Banwarilal Purohit resigns over personal reasons

In a surprise move, Punjab governor Banwarilal Purohit on Saturday resigned from the post, while also stepping down as the administrator of the Union territory of Chandigarh, the joint capital of the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana. Frequent run-ins with Punjab CM Purohit withheld several important bills and termed multiple Vidhan Sabha sessions called by the speaker “illegal”, prompting the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government to approach the Supreme Court twice in February and October 2023. While disposing of the AAP government’s plea on February 28 as the governor had already issued a letter summoning the session, the Supreme Court had criticised both Mann and Purohit for being “derelict” in discharging their duties under the Constitution in this matter and counselled them to uphold the constitutional protocols. Financial prudence Through his tenure, Purohit also came to be known for practising fiscal discipline, rolling out a slew of austerity measures at the Punjab Raj Bhawan and even in the UT administration. No bottled water, no bouquets, only vegetarian food and paid meals for staff were some of the steps taken by the Punjab Raj Bhawan since Purohit took charge in September 2021.