Garhwal Post Bureau
Mussoorie, 27 Jan: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and dignity in Mussoorie, but a sensitive issue also came to the forefront during this national festival. The alleged tampering with the shrine of Baba Bulle Shah and the hurting of religious sentiments sparked sharp reactions in political and social circles during the celebrations.
Municipal Chairperson Meera Saklani unfurled the flag at the Republic Day celebrations held at Landour Survey Chowk and the Mussoorie-Landour area. Several prominent personalities who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of society, sports, and public service were honoured at the event. Former MLA and former President of the Uttarakhand Cricket Association, Jot Singh Gunsola, four-time councillor Jasveer Kaur, social workers Kavita Negi, Shikha Negi, Madhu Tanta, and others were honoured with shawls and mementos. The presence of renowned comedian Trilok Chauhan added to the festive atmosphere of the programme.
During the programme, the alleged tampering with Baba Bulle Shah’s shrine emerged as the most important issue. Former Municipal Chairperson Manmohan Singh Mall, former MLA Jot Singh Gunsola, City Congress President Amit Gupta, and Communist Party Secretary RP Badoni unanimously condemned the incident. The leaders said that whether the shrine is legal or illegal should be decided by the law and the administration, and no anti-social elements should be allowed to take the law into their own hands. The leaders alleged that some elements are deliberately trying to incite religious sentiments, which could harm Mussoorie’s long-standing mutual harmony and Ganga-Jamuni culture. They warned that if such incidents are repeated in the future, they will not hesitate to launch a public movement. Municipal Chairperson Meera Saklani also expressed her displeasure from the stage over the politicisation of national festivals. She said that occasions like Republic Day are meant to remember the country, the constitution, and the martyrs, not for political speeches. She appealed to all parties and organisations maintain the dignity of such platforms.
The Municipal Chairperson, while enumerating the achievements of her one-year tenure, stated that several concrete steps have been taken for the systematic development of Mussoorie. She cited the permanent rehabilitation of street vendors from Mall Road, beautification work, the provision of a Rs 500 honorarium to sanitation workers after a long struggle from January 1, 2026, and making the historic Town Hall accessible to the general public as major achievements.
She also expressed concern over the disarray in the Landour market and appealed for cooperation from the local people. She termed it unfortunate that despite the municipality providing two free parking spaces, there has been no improvement in the situation. She said that along with rights, it is also necessary to fulfill one’s duties. At this Republic Day ceremony, where a message of development and respect was given, the issue of Baba Bulle Shah’s shrine emerged as a major warning for the social and communal harmony of Mussoorie. On this occasion, Executive Officer Gaurav Bhasin, Rajneesh Dobriyal, councilors Gauri Thapliyal, Shivani Bharti, Vishal Kharola, Amit Bhatt, Rakesh Agarwal, Rajat Agarwal, Mohan Petwal, Kushal Rana, Vijay Vindwal, Gudmohan Rana, and many others were also present.
