Uttarakhand Minister Premchand Aggarwal resigns, breaks down in press conference

Uttarakhand Finance Minister Premchand Aggarwal announced his resignation on Sunday, breaking down in tears during a press conference at his residence. He submitted his resignation to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, citing the controversy surrounding his remarks during February’s state assembly budget session as the reason for stepping down. Aggarwal, who also held the parliamentary affairs portfolio

During the press conference, Aggarwal recalled his role in the Uttarakhand statehood movement since 1994 and highlighted his contributions as a national volleyball player. He said that despite always fighting for the state, the situation had forced him to step down.

Reacting to the resignation, senior Congress leader Ganesh Godiyal demanded public apologies from Chief Minister Dhami and Uttarakhand Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri. He accused Khanduri of shielding Aggarwal in the Assembly and called for greater accountability from the state leadership.

The controversy erupted during the budget session when Aggarwal reacted to a comment by Congress MLA Madan Bisht. He questioned whether Uttarakhand was created solely for the “Pahadis” and used unparliamentary language during the heated exchange. His remarks sparked widespread protests, particularly from the hill communities, and drew sharp criticism from the opposition.

Folk singer Narendra Singh Negi added fuel to the fire with his viral Holi song, “Mat Maro Prem Lal Pichkari”. Negi, known for his politically charged music, had previously destabilised former Chief Minister Narayan Dutt Tiwari’s government in the 2010s with one of his songs.

The BJP’s state leadership had earlier summoned Aggarwal and instructed him to exercise restraint.

With inputs from PTI