Uttarakhand Parliamentary and Finance Minister Premchand Aggarwal Resigns Amid Controversy

Uttarakhand Parliamentary and Finance Minister Premchand Aggarwal Resigns Amid Controversy

Dehradun, March 16: Uttarakhand’s Parliamentary Affairs and Finance Minister Premchand Aggarwal has resigned from his post following intense public and political pressure. Aggarwal submitted his resignation to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Dehradun on Saturday.

His resignation comes after widespread outrage over his indecent remarks against the Pahari community during the budget session in the state assembly. Various social organizations, opposition parties, and even members of his own party had been demanding his removal ever since the controversy erupted.

Aggarwal, a senior BJP leader, had initially tried to defend his statement, but growing resentment across Uttarakhand forced him to step down. His comments were seen as derogatory and disrespectful to the sentiments of the hill community, leading to protests in several parts of the state.

With his resignation, political circles in Uttarakhand are abuzz with speculation about who will replace him in the Dhami cabinet. The state government is expected to announce a new Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister soon.

Political Fallout

The controversy has also given the opposition a major talking point ahead of the upcoming elections. Leaders from the Congress and AAP have accused the BJP government of anti-Pahari sentiments and have demanded a public apology from Aggarwal.

Meanwhile, BJP sources suggest that the party leadership pushed for Aggarwal’s resignation to contain the damage and prevent further backlash from the Pahari community, which holds significant political influence in Uttarakhand.

newsbabaonline.com