Chandigarh: Punjab cabinet minister Laljit Singh Bhullar resigned from his post on Friday following a controversy linked to the death of a government official in Amritsar, triggering political reactions in the state.
Bhullar, who held the jails and transport portfolio in the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, stepped down after a district manager of the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation allegedly died by suicide. Reports said the deceased official had reportedly named the minister in connection with alleged harassment before taking the extreme step.
The resignation came after mounting pressure and the opposition demanding accountability in the matter.
According to reports, the state government asked Bhullar to resign pending investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed probe into the allegations and determine whether any wrongdoing occurred.
The incident has also sparked debate over administrative pressure on government officials and the need for safeguards within the bureaucracy.
In his initial reaction after resigning, Bhullar reportedly maintained his position and said he would cooperate with any investigation. He indicated that he respected the party leadership’s decision and stepped down to ensure a fair inquiry.
The development has intensified political tensions in Punjab, with opposition parties criticising the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and calling for transparency in the probe, while the government has maintained that due process will be followed.
Officials indicated that further action would depend on the findings of the investigation. The case is expected to remain under scrutiny as the probe progresses and more details emerge about the circumstances leading to the official’s death.
