M A I N   N E W S

Under a cloud, Punjab minister Ranike quits
After Jagir Kaur & Tota Singh, he is the third SAD-BJP minister to have put in his papers
Jangveer Singh
Tribune News Service

In the eye of storm

Ranike is said to be “involved in the embezzlement of border area development grants” through bogus accounts in his constituency, Attari The minister claims his former personal assistant, who is absconding, is responsible for the irregularities which are now being investigated by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau Ranike’s detractors also allege his involvement in distribution of the ‘shagun’ scheme money to a whopping 60% false beneficiaries in Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts and “misutilisation” of funds for houses for destitutes

Chandigarh, September 16
Under pressure to uphold the “zero tolerance to corruption” slogan of his government, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today accepted the resignation of Animal Husbandry Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike. The resignation has been forwarded to Governor Shivraj Patil for immediate acceptance.

Ranike is in the eye of storm over his alleged involvement in the embezzlement of border area development grants through bogus accounts in Attari constituency, which he represents. The minister has claimed that his former personal assistant, who is absconding, is responsible for the irregularities, which are now being investigated by the state Vigilance Bureau.

An official release said the minister had voluntarily submitted his resignation to the Chief Minister. Sources, however, claimed that Ranike was forced to quit after a public outcry and stinging criticism from the Opposition, the Congress.

Ranike’s detractors also allege his involvement in distribution of the ‘shagun’ scheme money to as much as 60 per cent false beneficiaries in Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts and “misutilisation” of funds for houses for destitute and toilet scheme for the weaker sections.

Ranike is the third SAD-BJP government minister who has been forced to resign under a cloud of controversy in the short span of six months. Earlier, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Bibi Jagir Kaur resigned from her post after she was awarded a five-year jail term after being found guilty of abetting her daughter’s suicide.

Agriculture Minister Tota Singh was forced to put in his papers when a court indicted him for misusing his official car.

Ranike, in his resignation letter, claimed that his family had always stood for high moral values. He said his family had reposed unflinching faith in the supremacy of the SAD under the leadership of Parkash Singh Badal.

Badal, on his part, appreciated the moral courage shown by Ranike. Badal said the law would take its own course and the vigilance inquiry into the case was in line with his government’s policy to ensure transparent and corruption-free governance.

Sources said Ranike’s resignation is likely to further consolidate Revenue Minister Bikram Majithia’s position in the Majha region. Ranike is not known to be close to Majithia, who commands the loyalty of all young turks in the region.

From being an apprentice to a mason and a farm labourer as a young man, Ranike has come a long way. He took on the mantle of his brother Dalbir Singh who was an Akali MLA before he was killed by militants. Ranike now owns a house on the Majitha road in Amritsar besides agricultural and other property.