ParliamentPass – Former Governor Banwarilal Purohit Faces Delay at Parliament Reception
ParliamentPass – A brief but unusual episode at the Parliament complex on Monday drew attention after former Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit was reportedly left waiting for a considerable period while attempting to collect his renewed identity card as a former Member of Parliament. The incident occurred when officials handling visitor and pass-related procedures allegedly failed to identify the veteran politician during a busy period.
Delay During Identity Card Collection
According to sources familiar with the matter, Purohit arrived at the Parliament complex around midday without any personal staff or accompanying aides. Following standard security procedures, he completed the required checks before heading to the Centralised Pass Issue Cell to obtain his renewed identification card.
The Parliament complex is currently operating under an updated security arrangement, with the Central Industrial Security Force overseeing security responsibilities at the new Parliament building. Administrative support is being provided by personnel from the parliamentary secretariat alongside specially trained staff.
Busy Counters and Long Wait
Officials at the pass issuance facility were reportedly occupied with processing entry permits and identity-related requests for ministerial staff, assistants and drivers as the lunch break approached. Amid the heavy workload, Purohit was allegedly asked to wait while his request remained pending.
Sources indicated that despite making repeated inquiries regarding his identity card, he did not receive an immediate response. As the waiting time extended, frustration reportedly began to build among those present.
Former Governor Expresses Displeasure
After nearly an hour without resolution, Purohit is said to have voiced his dissatisfaction over the situation. Witnesses claimed he questioned whether a public figure with decades of political and administrative experience should face such delays for a routine process.
The matter was quickly addressed once officials reportedly realised the identity of the visitor. Staff members then moved swiftly to complete the required formalities and ensure that the appropriate identification card was issued without further delay.
Security Procedures Under New Arrangements
The incident has highlighted the challenges that can arise under stringent security and administrative systems, particularly during busy hours at high-security government institutions. Since the new Parliament building came under the full security supervision of the CISF, verification procedures have become more structured, requiring all visitors and former lawmakers to follow prescribed protocols.
While no official statement was issued regarding the delay, the episode attracted attention because of Purohit’s long public service record and seniority in national politics.
A Long Political Career
Banwarilal Purohit has held several important positions during his decades-long political journey. He represented the Nagpur East constituency in Maharashtra as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in 1978 and 1980 and later served as a minister in the state government.
He entered the Lok Sabha from Nagpur in 1984 and again in 1989 while representing the Congress party. After joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, he returned to Parliament as an MP in 1996.
In later years, Purohit held gubernatorial assignments in multiple states. He served as Governor of Tamil Nadu between 2017 and 2021 before taking charge as Governor of Punjab. His tenure in Punjab continued until February 2024, when he stepped down citing health-related concerns. Since then, he has largely remained away from active political engagements.