When did Rana Gurjit Singh resign from the post of Punjab minister
Rana Gurjeet Singh, a prominent Congress leader and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Kapurthala, has long been a significant figure in Punjab’s political landscape. However, his career has not been without turbulence, most notably when he was forced to resign from his position as a Punjab cabinet minister in January 2018.
The reasons behind his exit, rooted in allegations of corruption, continue to spark discussions among political observers in both India and abroad. Meanwhile, as of March 21, 2025, Singh is back in the headlines due to fresh developments involving income tax raids and internal party conflicts, keeping him firmly in the public eye.
This article delves into the events that led to his loss of the cabinet role and explores why he remains a focal point in today’s news cycle.
The Sand Mining Scandal That Ended His Ministerial Tenure
In 2017, Rana Gurjeet Singh was appointed as a cabinet minister in the Punjab government under Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, overseeing key portfolios like power and irrigation. However, his tenure was quickly overshadowed by a controversy that erupted just months into his role.
The Punjab government had initiated auctions for sand mining contracts, a lucrative industry in the state, but allegations soon surfaced that Singh was involved in irregularities surrounding the bidding process. Specifically, it was claimed that his employees or associates had bid for mining sites, raising suspicions of favoritism and misuse of power.
The accusations gained traction when reports revealed that two mining contracts, worth over ₹35 crore, were awarded to individuals linked to Singh’s business interests. Critics, including opposition parties and some within his own Congress party, argued that this was a clear conflict of interest. Despite Singh’s denials and the formation of a judicial commission to investigate, the pressure mounted rapidly.
The Justice J.S. Narang Commission, set up in May 2017, eventually cleared Singh of direct wrongdoing in its August 2017 report, but the damage to his reputation was irreversible. Consequently, in January 2018, he tendered his resignation, bowing to public and political outrage over the perceived lack of transparency in the sand mining affair.
A Brief Return and Ongoing Political Influence
Interestingly, Rana Gurjeet Singh’s exit from the cabinet was not the end of his political journey. In September 2021, he was re-inducted into the Punjab cabinet under Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, signaling his enduring influence within the Congress party.
This move surprised many, given the earlier controversy, but it underscored his strong regional clout and the party’s reliance on seasoned leaders ahead of the 2022 Punjab assembly elections. During those elections, Singh retained his Kapurthala seat, defeating his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) rival, while his son, Rana Inder Partap Singh, won as an independent from Sultanpur Lodhi, further solidifying the family’s political stronghold.
However, his return to the cabinet in 2021 was short-lived, as the Congress lost power to the AAP in the 2022 elections. Since then, Singh has remained an active MLA, often making headlines for his outspoken views and initiatives. For instance, he has recently been vocal about agricultural diversification, urging Punjab farmers to shift from water-intensive paddy to maize cultivation—a stance that has sparked both support and criticism.
Nevertheless, his past continues to cast a shadow over his present endeavors, keeping him a polarizing figure in Punjab politics.
Why Is Rana Gurjeet Singh in the News Now?
Fast forward to March 2025, and Rana Gurjeet Singh is once again dominating news cycles for reasons both old and new. Earlier this year, in February 2025, the Income Tax Department conducted high-profile raids on his residences and business premises in Kapurthala and Chandigarh.
These raids, which lasted multiple days, targeted Singh’s extensive business empire, including ethanol plants and a sugar mill recently acquired by his family. Authorities reportedly seized documents and digital records, hinting at possible financial irregularities, though no official charges have been confirmed as of now.
The timing of these raids has fueled speculation about political motives, especially given Singh’s vocal criticism of the AAP-led Punjab government and his active role within the Congress. Some party colleagues, like Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, have suggested that the raids could be a tactic to weaken Congress ahead of the 2027 Punjab elections.
Adding to the drama, Singh has also faced internal party friction, particularly over his push for private maize purchases, which Khaira has labeled as a “BJP-Adani model” of privatization—a charge Singh denies.
Also Read: Fake Milk Issue Highlighted by Rana Gurjit Singh in Assembly
Moreover, Singh’s recent rallies in Punjab’s Malwa region, where he’s promoting maize cultivation with promises to buy crops at minimum support prices, have raised eyebrows. These events, attended by thousands of farmers, are seen by some as a show of strength against Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, with whom Singh has had public spats.
This infighting, combined with the legal scrutiny, has thrust Singh back into the spotlight, making him a key player to watch in Punjab’s evolving political narrative.
Implications for Punjab and Beyond
The saga of Rana Gurjeet Singh reflects broader themes in Indian politics—power, controversy, and resilience. His loss of the cabinet post in 2018 highlighted the public’s demand for accountability, while his current challenges underscore the complexities of balancing political ambitions with legal and party pressures.
For audiences in the US and India, his story offers a window into the high-stakes world of regional politics, where personal wealth, influence, and allegations often intersect.
As Punjab gears up for future elections, Singh’s ability to navigate these turbulent waters will likely shape his legacy. Whether he emerges as a reformed leader championing farmers or remains mired in controversy, one thing is clear: Rana Gurjeet Singh is far from fading into obscurity.
His past and present continue to captivate, ensuring that his name remains a fixture in political discourse on both sides of the globe.
FAQ: Rana Gurjeet Singh’s Cabinet Exit
Why did Rana Gurjeet Singh lose his Punjab cabinet minister job?
Rana Gurjeet Singh resigned in January 2018 due to allegations of involvement in a sand mining scandal. Claims that his associates secured lucrative contracts led to widespread criticism, forcing him to step down despite a commission clearing him of direct wrongdoing.
What was the sand mining scandal about?
The scandal involved accusations that Singh influenced sand mining auctions in Punjab in 2017, with contracts awarded to individuals linked to his business interests. This raised concerns about corruption and misuse of his ministerial authority.
Why is Rana Gurjeet Singh in the news in 2025?
In 2025, Singh is making headlines due to income tax raids on his properties in February and ongoing disputes within the Congress party. His push for maize cultivation and tensions with party leaders have also kept him in focus.
Did Rana Gurjeet Singh return to the cabinet after 2018?
Yes, he was re-inducted into the Punjab cabinet in September 2021 under Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi. However, his tenure ended when Congress lost the 2022 state elections to AAP.
What is Rana Gurjeet Singh’s current political role?
As of March 2025, he serves as the Congress MLA from Kapurthala. He remains active in Punjab politics, advocating for agricultural changes while facing legal and party-related challenges.