Chandigarh: Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar has resigned amid mounting pressure following his alleged link to a warehousing officer’s suicide case, marking the latest in a series of controversies surrounding the leader.
Sources said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann acted swiftly as the issue gained momentum, especially with assembly elections due next year. The government is seen as avoiding any political risk ahead of the polls.
Bhullar has faced multiple controversies in the past. During the 2021 Red Fort violence, an old video allegedly showing him with actor-activist Deep Sidhu surfaced, drawing criticism from opposition parties. Bhullar had defended himself, stating he had gone to Delhi as a farmer and had done nothing wrong.
He was also questioned over a video showing him performing a risky stunt by standing out of a moving vehicle’s sunroof on a highway. He later claimed the video was old and recorded after his election victory.
In another controversy during the 2024 Lok Sabha election campaign, Bhullar faced backlash over alleged casteist remarks targeting specific communities. Opposition parties demanded action, and the matter reached the Election Commission. Bhullar later issued an apology, stating his remarks were directed at an individual and not any community.
Despite repeated controversies in the past, Bhullar had managed to deflect criticism through clarifications and apologies. However, the latest case linked to an officer’s death intensified pressure, leading to his resignation.
The development has triggered fresh political debate in Punjab, with opposition parties demanding a thorough investigation and accountability.
