Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 3 Nov: Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee chief spokesperson Garima Mehra Dasauni today questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s proposed ‘Loktantra Bachao Yatra’ from the Parade Ground in Dehradun on 6 November. She alleged that those responsible for weakening democratic values are now claiming to protect them. She asked whom Shah is seeking to save democracy from and referred to the political developments in Uttarakhand in 2016, when the Harish Rawat-led Congress government faced a political crisis.
Dasauni said Amit Shah should explain what steps have been taken to protect democracy and when the promises made to Uttarakhand would be fulfilled. She asserted that democracy is safeguarded not through slogans or political marches, but through respect for citizens’ rights, constitutional institutions and the people’s mandate.
Dasauni said the Congress has long maintained that attempts are being made to destabilise the elected governments through political manoeuvring and defections. She argued that similar developments have occurred in other states as well, making the proposed yatra a political contradiction. Referring to BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt’s claim that 25,000 people would participate in the march, she said democracy can’t be protected merely by mobilising crowds, but through respect for constitutional institutions, democratic values and the public mandate.
She also objected to the date of the programme, noting that 6 November coincides with Dhanteras, an important festival in Sanatan tradition. According to her, a large political gathering and padyatra in the heart of Dehradun could disrupt traffic, can affect access to markets and adversely impact traders during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. She questioned whether the BJP has adequately considered the convenience of the public, traders and devotees.
Dasauni further said that despite repeated electoral support from the people of Uttarakhand, including two Assembly mandates and victories on all five Lok Sabha seats, the state is still waiting for the benefits promised under the ‘double-engine’ government model. She said assurances regarding development and making Uttarakhand the country’s leading state are yet to translate into visible results.
Highlighting issues such as crimes against women, unemployment, recruitment scams, corruption and law and order, she alleged that several key concerns remain unresolved. She also referred to the Ankita Bhandari case, saying that the family and the public are still seeking justice and answers to the questions raised in the matter.
Dasauni added that disaster-affected communities in Uttarakhand continue to await adequate compensation, rehabilitation and long-term solutions. She said the state has also not received long-pending demands such as a green bonus, a special industrial package and restoration of special category status.
