Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 6 Nov: Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee president Ganesh Godiyal today protested against the visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Dehradun by wearing a black armband. He commented that his protest is aimed at highlighting what he described as the BJP government’s anti-people policies, the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, concerns over women’s safety, the demand for justice in the Ankita Bhandari murder case and other pressing public issues.
Addressing media-persons here, today, Godiyal said the people of Uttarakhand are facing several serious challenges, but both the Central and state governments are more focused on political programmes and publicity rather than answering questions raised by the public. He said the government should respond to issues such as rising crimes against women, unemployment, alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and corruption. According to him, these concerns directly affect the future of the state’s youth and require serious attention from those in power.
Referring to the Ankita Bhandari murder case, Godiyal claimed that the incident is closely linked to the self-respect of Uttarakhand and the safety of its daughters. He claimed that people across the state are still seeking complete justice for Ankita Bhandari and demanding a fair, transparent and impartial resolution of all questions related to the case. He alleged that the government has consistently avoided providing clear answers on the matter.
Godiyal also accused the BJP of adopting double standards regarding political programmes. He said organisations associated with the BJP had opposed a rally led by Rahul Gandhi in Delhi on 1 November, claiming that such events during the festive season were not in the interest of traders. However, he said, the BJP itself organised Amit Shah’s public programme on the occasion of Dhanteras, a period when people traditionally make significant purchases, thereby inconveniencing traders and the public.
The Congress leader further alleged that concerns over law and order and women’s safety continue to be raised across the state. He said ensuring a safe environment for women is the government’s primary responsibility and called for effective measures to prevent crimes against women, ensure justice for victims and take strict action against the guilty.
Godiyal said his decision to wear a black armband is intended to convey a message to the Central government and BJP leadership that the people of Uttarakhand would not remain silent on issues related to their rights, dignity and justice. He asserted that the Congress would continue to raise public issues through democratic means and carry forward its struggle as the voice of the people of the state.
