Pre-empting unceremonious ouster, Amanjot Ramoowalia, 45, daughter of former SAD leader Balwant Singh Ramoowalia who recently made a tactical exit from the party to accept cabinet rank in Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday resigned from the post of chairperson of district planning board, SAS Nagar.
“Time is powerful and sometimes one has to take tough decisions,” said Amanjot Ramoowalia, in her resignation letter addressed to chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, which she submitted with education minister Daljeet Singh Cheema.
“I have been loyal towards duties entrusted to me and have worked hard. But in the changed scenario, where the party was upset with my father’s decision, the resignation was an appropriate step,” said Amanjot, who had given up her Canadian citizenship to take over as chairperson planning board, SAS Nagar, in January 2014. Amanjot is masters in history from Punjabi University, Patiala.
She had joined the office after Punjabi singer and actor Harbhajan Mann, who is also related to the Ramoowalia family, had relinquished charge following criticism as he was not able to spare enough time for the job.
“See, I am committed to work for the people of Punjab for which I even gave up my Canadian citizenship. SAD was the first party I had joined and wanted to work for the party for life…but destiny has something else in store,” said Amanjot, clarifying that she resigned from the post but didn’t not know whether she had been expelled from the party or not.
{{/usCountry}}“See, I am committed to work for the people of Punjab for which I even gave up my Canadian citizenship. SAD was the first party I had joined and wanted to work for the party for life…but destiny has something else in store,” said Amanjot, clarifying that she resigned from the post but didn’t not know whether she had been expelled from the party or not.
{{/usCountry}}“My family has worked to build SAD in SAS Nagar, where it was non-existent. And now having put in my papers, I would take life as it comes and not rush into things,” added Amanjot, who unlike her father, plans to work in Punjab only.
Lobbying begins
Even though lobbying for the post of district planning board chairperson has begun, but there are speculations that the post might not be filled in the near future. There are talks that someone close to chief parliamentary secretary and Dera Bassi MLA NK Sharma would be elevated to post. Prior to the appointment of Amanjot, NK Sharma lobbied for Ashwini Kumar Sambhalki and the name of the latter could again be forwarded. Sambhalki is also close to SAS Nagar mayor Kulwant Singh.
Name of MP Prem Singh Chandumajra’s son Harinder Pal Singh is also doing rounds.