BJP veteran and Assam’s former Governor Gulab Chand Kataria’s arrival in the city, to assume the role of Punjab’s 30th Governor and Chandigarh’s 17th Administrator, has set the stage for a historic transition. Kataria, whose entry into the city was marked by ceremonial grandeur, is poised to take over from Banwari Lal Purohit, whose tenure has been a mix of triumphs and challenges.
Kataria’s appointment marks the third time that a leader from Rajasthan has taken up the role of Administrator and Governor in Punjab and Chandigarh.
Kataria made a notable entrance into Chandigarh, arriving with his wife Anita Kataria, at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport. They were greeted by Punjab Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema and Aman Arora, who extended a warm welcome. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the Governor-designate was escorted to the Punjab Raj Bhawan in a grand procession.
Upon reaching the Raj Bhawan, Kataria was accorded a guard of honour by a contingent of the Punjab Police. This ceremonial tribute not only marked the significance of his new role but also symbolized the respect and anticipation surrounding his appointment. The meticulous arrangements reflected the gravity of the occasion and the high expectations that accompany the position.
Swearing-In Ceremony
The swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday morning, is set to be a significant event in the city's political calendar. Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court will administer the oath of office to Kataria, officially marking the beginning of his tenure. Preparations for the ceremony are underway, with the administration ensuring that every detail is attended to, from the setup at the Raj Bhawan to the accommodation of distinguished guests.
The ceremony will be a moment of transition, bringing together a host of dignitaries, including former Governor VP Singh Badnore. Having a long-standing association with Kataria, Badnore will be a special guest at the event. Their shared history, rooted in Rajasthan’s political landscape, will add a personal touch to the proceedings. Both leaders have been colleagues and friends for nearly five decades, and their collaboration in various political capacities add a layer of historical significance to Kataria’s appointment.
Kataria’s swearing-in ceremony is not just a political event but a social occasion that will see around 200 guests arriving from Rajasthan to witness the proceedings. The UT Administration is working diligently to ensure that all arrangements for the guests are in place, from their accommodation to transportation. Six CTU buses have been earmarked to facilitate the movement of guests, reflecting the scale of the event and the importance of making every visitor feel welcome.
Fond Farewell to Purohit
As Kataria prepares to step into his new role, the city bade a heartfelt farewell to the outgoing Governor Banwari Lal Purohit, whose tenure has been marked by a mix of accomplishments and challenges, and his departure is accompanied by a sense of both reflection and resolution.
In his valedictory address at the Punjab Raj Bhavan, Purohit called upon the people of Punjab to channel their efforts towards making the state prosperous. He emphasized that such progress is vital for India’s aspiration to become a global leader, or “Vishwa Guru”.
Purohit’s address also highlighted the pressing issue of drug abuse, urging a collective effort to eradicate this societal menace. He expressed confidence in the resilience and determination of the people of Punjab, asserting that their large-heartedness would be instrumental in overcoming the drug crisis.
Reflecting on his tenure, Purohit expressed his deep appreciation for the support and hospitality extended to him by both the Punjab Government and the Chandigarh Administration. His tenure saw various development initiatives, including efforts to secure a new medical college and an outer ring road for the region. These projects, he noted, are steps towards advancing the region’s infrastructure and healthcare system.
