CM targets Rahul, Akhilesh and Kharge at BJP’s ‘Loktantra Bachao’ rally in Rudrapur
By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Rudrapur (US Nagar), 3 Nov: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the BJP’s ‘Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao’ (Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy) foot march organised at Rudrapur here today. Addressing a public meeting at Gandhi Park, Dhami launched a scathing attack on the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, targeting their senior leaders Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and Mallikarjun Kharge.
The CM accused the Opposition of harbouring an anti-Sanatan mindset, spreading confusion and anarchy in the country and questioning the valour of the Indian armed forces. Taking a dig at the Opposition, he remarked that its present condition is akin to the Hindi saying, ‘900 chuhe kha kar billi haj ko chali’. He said the people had already shown the Congress the door from the real Parliament, but the party is now attempting to pursue its political agenda through a mock Parliament as well.
Taking a swipe at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, Dhami also questioned the Opposition rally organised at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on Sunday. He said the rally could have been organised after Diwali, but instead, the interests and concerns of traders were ignored, resulting in the closure of markets and shops. He alleged that the Opposition’s political activities had caused financial losses to traders and created an atmosphere of disorder.
Referring to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Dhami recalled his observation that the Congress was dangerous for the people when in power and became a threat to the country when out of power. He accused the Congress of pursuing politics that is detrimental to the national interests.
The CM also accused Rahul Gandhi of allegedly using objectionable language against Uttarakhand’s son and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. He pointed out that every fifth soldier in the Indian Army hails from Uttarakhand and asserted that questioning the valour of the armed forces amounts to insulting the soldiers of the state and their families.
Raising the issue of surgical strikes, Dhami reminded that the Congress leaders had, on several occasions, demanded proof of military operations and questioned matters relating to national security. He remarked that, if Congress leaders themselves are uncomfortable with the statements made by their ‘Yuvraj’, they should have the courage to oppose him rather than remain silent.
Dhami further targeted Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, accusing him of maintaining silence over allegedly provocative slogans raised during a Congress rally in Haldwani. He said Congress leaders reacted to issues selectively, according to their political convenience, but prefer to remain silent when confronted with instances of what he described as an objectionable mindset.
Accusing the Congress of indulging in the politics of falsehood and confusion, the Chief Minister said that during its tenure in power, the party had promoted scams instead of development. He remarked that rather than taking out a Nyay Yatra, the Congress should organise a ‘Prayashchit Yatra’ to atone for its actions during its years in power.
In his address, the CM also referred to the Khatima firing incident and the infamous Rampur Tiraha incident associated with the Uttarakhand statehood movement. Recalling the Khatima firing, he said seven people had lost their lives and several others had sustained injuries. He further stated that the incidents at Rampur Tiraha during the statehood movement had witnessed acts that had brought shame to humanity.
Holding the then Samajwadi Party government, led by Mulayam Singh Yadav, responsible for the atrocities during the statehood movement, Dhami targeted Akhilesh Yadav, saying that the wounds of those incidents are still fresh in the minds of the people of Uttarakhand. He also alleged that Akhilesh Yadav has insulted the people of the state by describing them as infiltrators.
He also reacted to the Opposition’s demand for the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and its statements seeking the removal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power. Dhami said the Opposition has reduced its politics to opposing everything and spreading confusion without offering any constructive alternative.
The CM asserted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is progressing towards the goal of becoming a developed nation. He said the government would continue working towards realising the vision of a developed India. Taking another dig at Rahul Gandhi’s much-publicised ‘Mohabbat Ki Dukaan’ slogan, Dhami remarked that the shop of love has now started running into losses and that the shop of falsehood would also shut down soon.
The CM also enumerated the achievements of the BJP government in Uttarakhand, stating that the Congress has remained out of power in the state for several years and has repeatedly been rejected by the electorate. He called upon party workers to ensure that the Congress is not given another opportunity to return to power in the forthcoming elections.
Highlighting major development initiatives, Dhami said approval has been granted for developing Pantnagar Airport into an international-level airport. Facilities at the AIIMS are also being expanded, while work on the Industrial Smart City at Khurpia in Udham Singh Nagar has also begun. He added that the hurdles facing the Jamrani Dam project had also been resolved.
Meanwhile, an uncomfortable situation arose during the public meeting when a young man, who had arrived with a grievance, attempted to meet Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The police personnel allegedly stopped him from reaching the Chief Minister and pushed him away from the venue. The incident briefly created confusion and commotion at the gathering.
After the matter came to light, the BJP district president came down from the stage and approached the youth in an attempt to listen to his grievance.
After the public meeting, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt, MP Ajay Bhatt, Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bahuguna, MLA Shiv Arora and several other party leaders and workers participated in the march.
The march began from Gandhi Park and proceeded through Bata Chowk, Main Bazaar, Hari Mandir and Kashipur Bypass before reaching Agrasen Chowk. It subsequently returned to Gandhi Park, where the programme concluded. During the march, BJP leaders and workers sought to reach out to the public and highlight the party’s policies and the achievements of the state government.
