By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Ramnagar (Nainital): Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and prominent Hindutva leader Uma Bharti, who is presently on a pilgrimage tour across various religious destinations, arrived in Uttarakhand and made a series of significant remarks on recent political developments as well as issues of national concern. Speaking in Ramnagar, she commented on the recently concluded Assembly elections and also expressed her deep emotional and spiritual connect with Uttarakhand. Bharti described Uttarakhand as the most sacred land in India.
Speaking about the political situation in West Bengal, Uma Bharti advised the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to step down with dignity and take up her struggle in a democratic manner. She reminded that her association with Mamata Banerjee dates back to 1991 and continued until 2021. She also noted that Banerjee’s determination had played a key role in her forming the government thrice. However, at the same time, she also cautioned that the same rigidity may now prove detrimental. Bharti stated that a single strategy cannot be effective in all circumstances and warned that persisting with inflexibility would amount to disrespect towards the Constitution and the democratic values. She further observed that such an approach could invite criticism not only at the national level but also internationally. She also commented that Mamata Banerjee deserves respect and, in the same spirit, she should step down gracefully and continue her political struggle through democratic means.
Speaking emotionally about Uttarakhand, Uma Bharti said that had she accumulated more spiritual merit in her previous life, she would have wished to be born in the state. She said this reflects the depth of her affection for Uttarakhand, which she described as residing in her heart. Calling it the holiest land of India, she mentioned the presence of the Himalayas and revered shrines such as Badrinath, underlining the state’s immense religious and cultural significance in her life.
Turning to national security, she raised concerns over infiltration in states such as Assam, Tripura and West Bengal and described it as a serious issue. She asserted that those entering the country were not refugees but infiltrators attempting to alter the demographic balance. According to her, political changes have played a crucial role in addressing these challenges, and she claimed that conditions have improved in these states following the formation of Bharatiya Janata Party governments. She also praised the leadership of the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the present government is capable of tackling every challenge and is working towards strengthening India’s position globally.
In the context of Uttarakhand, she expressed particular concern over demographic changes in certain areas. She claimed that that population balance in Uttarakhand appears to be under strain. She appreciated the efforts of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in addressing these issues and emphasised the need for public vigilance. She urged the citizens to enhance social awareness and remain alert to any suspicious activities rather than ignoring them.
Speaking on the sanctity of religious sites, Uma Bharti stressed the importance of preserving the traditional dignity of shrines such as Kedarnath and Badrinath. She observed that the discipline and purity once associated with these places appear to be undergoing change, which warrants serious reflection but also added that Uttarakhand remains under the divine protection of Lord Badrinath.
