By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 6 Nov: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched a sharp attack on the Congress and other opposition parties while addressing a gathering at the Parade Ground here today in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The occasion was a rally held to mark Uttarakhand Stare Formation Day. Accusing the opposition of spreading misinformation and attempting to create an atmosphere of fear and confrontation, Dhami asserted that Uttarakhand is witnessing all-round development due to the efforts of the double-engine government, but some political forces are avoiding meaningful discussions on development and instead indulging in divisive politics.
Taking aim at Rahul Gandhi, the CM said the people of Uttarakhand have understood how Congress leaders are trying to serve their political interests by creating confusion among the public. Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to the state, Dhami remarked that he had organised not a programme reflecting the “voice of students” but the “echo of lies”. He said the state government has enacted a stringent anti-copying law, which has helped ensure transparent recruitment and enabled deserving youth to secure jobs on merit.
Dhami also defended his government’s initiatives in the education sector, stating that efforts have been made to ensure equal educational opportunities for all. Referring to the Ankita Bhandari murder case, he said his government had ensured that those responsible were punished. Despite this, he alleged, the Congress has continued to mislead people and spread false narratives regarding the case. He further accused the opposition of selectively raising issues while ignoring incidents involving crimes against women that occurred during its own tenure.
The CM said that while questioning the government and expressing dissent are fundamental rights in a democracy, inciting young people, spreading rumours and encouraging violence for political gains can’t be tolerated. Responding to allegations made by the Congress, he said some parties accepted democratic institutions and electoral processes when election results were in their favour, but when outcomes did not suit them, they blamed Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the Election Commission and other processes. Such a double standard, he said, reflects a lack of commitment to democratic values.
Dhami recalled that he had recently participated in the BJP’s “Loktantra Bachao aur Arajakta Hatao Yatra” in Srinagar Garhwal and Rudrapur, where the enthusiastic public response indicated that people were no longer willing to be misled by the Congress.
The CM also criticised Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav for calling people of Uttarakhand as infiltrators in UP. He alleged that Congress leaders remained silent when Rahul Gandhi insulted National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval and similarly failed to respond when Akhilesh Yadav, whom he described as an ally and friend of Rahul Gandhi, made remarks describing Uttarakhand residents as infiltrators. Dhami said infiltrators were those who entered India illegally from other countries and questioned how anyone could use such terminology for the people of Uttarakhand.
Alleging that the Congress places political alliances above Uttarakhand’s dignity, self-respect and interests, the CM said the Congress party seeks answers from the BJP government over the Ankita Bhandari case while remaining silent over controversies and criminal cases linked to its own leaders. He asserted that the people of Devbhoomi are well aware of the difference between rhetoric and action.
Highlighting the achievements of both the state and Central governments, Dhami said decisions such as the implementation of three new criminal laws and the abrogation of Article 370 had strengthened the unity and integrity of the country. He also congratulated the people of Uttarakhand on the state police being awarded the President’s Colour and said the government is committed to developing the state in line with the aspirations of the Uttarakhand movement. He reiterated that political interests should never come before the welfare of the youth and the development of the state.
Earlier, Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj also addressed the gathering and strongly criticised the Opposition in his speech. He stated that the government’s objective is to curb migration and provide employment opportunities to the youth. Taking a dig at the Congress, Maharaj remarked that the party had once referred to General Bipin Rawat as a “street thug” and had also targeted National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
