Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 26 Aug: The Congress party today launched a strong protest and took to the streets holding a protest rally, titled ‘Vidhan Sabha Se Sadak Tak’. Congress leaders and workers targeted the government and accused it of failing in governance and administration and termed it anti-democratic.
Senior Congress leaders and hundreds of party workers marched towards the Raj Bhawan here, today, holding banners declaring a “Raj Bhavan Gherao”. They were stopped by police, which resulted in heated exchanges and chaos on the streets. The protest aimed to highlight the alleged collapse of law and order, widespread corruption, and the government’s failure in disaster management, especially after recent catastrophes. State Congress President Karan Mahra led the march, accompanied by prominent leaders Harak Singh, Yashpal Arya, and Pritam Singh, as well as hundreds of party workers, causing widespread traffic disruption.
Addressing the rally of party workers, Congress leaders claimed that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s tenure has witnessed a complete breakdown of law and order and alleged that serious crimes are flourishing under the government’s protection. They also alleged that the BJP leaders are increasingly involved in illicit activities. As a direct consequence, they argued, the police had utterly failed to maintain order, and criminals did not fear law enforcement agencies.
Addressing the rally, Harak Singh Rawat alleged that women in Uttarakhand are no longer safe, and that threats from criminals has led to tragic suicides. The party also criticised the government’s ‘sloppy’ disaster response, especially in areas like Dharali, where he reminded the roads have remained broken for 20 days and relief has yet to reach affected families. Congress leaders accused those in power of insensitivity towards public suffering.
Mahara and Yashpal Arya also alleged irregularities and rigging in the recent Panchayat elections. Slogans such as “Vote choron gaddi chhodo”, denouncing alleged vote-stealing, resonated through the crowd, with protesters brandishing placards.
The march was halted by police near Hathibarkala, where a scuffle broke out between Congress workers and security personnel. Among those present at the protest included State Party President Karan Mahra, Leader of the Opposition Yashpal Arya, MLA Pritam Singh, Harak Singh Rawat, Lalchand Sharma, former MLA Rajkumar, Abhinav Thapar and hundreds of party workers. The Congress has warned that should the situation not improve, its agitation will intensify into a mass public movement targeting government accountability and respect for democratic processes.
