By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 24 Feb: Even as the controversy over alleged statement of Cabinet Minister Prem Chand Aggarwal refuses to die, the issue continues to be flared up by Congress leaders as well as a section of social media activists. This has led to the political atmosphere in Uttarakhand heating up over regional identity issues. This has forced BJP’s State President Mahendra Bhatt to issue an appeal to the Congress to stop playing divisive politics.
In statement issued today during an interaction with the media persons here, BJP State President Mahendra Bhatt has urged the top Congress leadership to refrain from indulging in divisive politics of the plains and hills factions. He cautioned that the Congress party would soon bear the consequences of such divisive politics, if it does not stop playing such divisive politics. Simultaneously, he appealed to the media, particularly the social media to act responsibly in covering this sensitive issue.
Speaking to journalists at his residence in Yamuna Colony here, today, Bhatt emphasised that all residents of Uttarakhand should focus on the state’s collective interests. He insisted that all the state residents are citizens of this land, and any attempt to divide people along regional lines is a dangerous conspiracy that must be exposed. Identifying those behind this agenda is crucial, he further insisted.
Bhatt also referred to the recent Rishikesh civic elections, alleging that a similar pattern of regional division was witnessed there. He asserted that when Congress MLAs create such an atmosphere even within the Assembly, it is completely unjustified. Such attempts will not be tolerated.
Targeting the Congress leadership, Bhatt claimed that it is unfortunate that their MLAs are drawing a dividing line within the state through their statements on the plains and hills. The BJP will not allow the unity of Uttarakhand society to be compromised. If the opposition fails to mend its ways, Congress will face a major setback in the coming days, he asserted.
Further criticising Congress, Bhatt accused the party of opposing every progressive step taken by the government. He claimed that this is the reason, why the public keeps rejecting the Congress. The recently introduced Uttarakhand Land Law, which was formulated after widespread consultations and cross-party discussions, is a strong and beneficial legislation. Instead of welcoming it, Congress has developed a habit of resisting every good initiative.
Welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Uttarkashi, Bhatt highlighted its significance in promoting Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s Winter Yatra initiative. He said that Modi’s visit will add immense value to the Winter Yatra concept introduced by CM Dhami. He is visiting the sacred location where Maa Ganga’s palanquin is placed during winter. This visit will provide unprecedented publicity to the pilgrimage, boosting Uttarakhand’s tourism industry and creating record employment opportunities.
