Punjab Governor accepts Ranike's resignation

Punjab Governor Shivraj V Patil on Monday accepted the resignation of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Dairy Development and Welfare of SC/BC Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike, who stepped down as Cabinet Minister “on moral grounds” following the vigilance inquiry ordered to probe into his former PA's alleged involvement in the misappropriation of public funds disbursement.

The name of his son is also being linked to the scam. He had submitted his resignation to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal which was subsequently forwarded to the Governor for his immediate acceptance.

He is the third minister in the Badal government after Tota Singh and Bibi Jagir Kaur within seven months of the Akali Dal-BJP alliance coming to power for the second consecutive term in the state.

Meanwhile, the portfolios of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Dairy Development and Welfare of SC/BC held by Ranike would now be looked after by the Chief Minister till further orders.