Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 25 Aug: BJP MLA and former Dehradun Mayor Vinod Chamoli today claimed that the party’s sweeping victory in the recent local body and panchayat polls clearly indicates that the BJP government is firmly on course to secure a consecutive third term in the 2027 Uttarakhand Vidhan Sabha elections.
Addressing reporters at the party office here today, Chamoli said that the previous BJP government was elected again purely on the strength of its performance, and there was no reason to doubt the record of the present Chief Minister, who has taken historic decisions while standing with the people in times of distress. The BJP MLA accused the Congress of engaging in a competition to abuse the BJP and make baseless allegations instead of offering constructive politics.
Chamoli stated that despite the natural disaster facing the state, the government under CM Pushkar Singh Dhami is working proactively and sensitively in relief and rescue management, also personally visiting affected areas to lessen the suffering of the people. He reminded that as part of immediate assistance, a financial aid of Rs 5 lakhs is being extended to families of the deceased and to those who have been rendered homeless. He added that with support from the Centre, Uttarakhand is running the most effective disaster management programme, ensuring adequate help and rehabilitation for affected citizens.
When asked about the possibility of a cabinet expansion, Chamoli said the decision rests solely with the CM and will be taken at the appropriate time in consultation with central and state leadership. On the size of the existing cabinet, he maintained that even with fewer ministers, Dhami has taken bold and historic decisions, which have been effectively implemented on the ground with the active support of legislators and the party organisation. He pointed to decisions on the anti-conversion law, the Uniform Civil Code, the anti-copying legislation and the anti-riot law as measures that have significantly enhanced the state’s governance record and public image.
Chamoli argued that the BJP returned to power in its previous tenure because of its performance, and the outcome of the recent local polls is further evidence of the party’s growing support. He said democratic politics always rests on the judgement of the people, and the clear mandate in these elections is an indication of the public’s confidence. Dismissing references by the Opposition to the recent polls as a “semifinal,” he remarked that if it was indeed a semifinal, the comprehensive victory of the BJP only shows how much stronger the party will emerge in the “final” in 2027.
On concerns being raised about law & order, Chamoli responded that such issues need to be assessed in their entirety rather than through isolated incidents. He maintained that the law & order situation in Uttarakhand is fully under control and that the strictest possible action has been taken in all major cases that have surfaced, with police handling investigations efficiently in the remaining ones. Commenting on the allegations levelled by the Congress, he reiterated that the Congress leaders are competing among themselves to hurl the sharpest abuses and make the most unfounded allegations against the BJP, claiming that within the Opposition such conduct has become a marker of leadership stature. He predicted that this rivalry within the Congress will only intensify as the Assembly elections draw closer.
