By ARUN PRATAP SINGH
DEHRADUN, 24 Jan: The BJP in the state claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has special love and an emotional attachment to Uttarakhand. They also cite the Central aid to various development projects as an example of his love for the state. It is well known that Modi has visited the state more often than many of the other states and he also claims immense faith in Badri-Kedar and mentions these spiritual places frequently in his speeches. While, Modi is now set to visit Dehradun on January 28 to inaugurate the National Games on the invitation of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, it is also now being claimed that Modi is likely to revisit Uttarakhand once again next month for a stay in order to give a fresh momentum to the state‘s ambitious initiative, the Winter Char Dham Yatra.
The Winter Char Dham Yatra, launched by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, is intended to promote year-round pilgrimage to Uttarakhand’s sacred shrines. Sources in the BJP have claimed that Modi may again visit the state in February for a winter stay in the state and endorse the concept of Winter Yatra travel in the state.
It may be reminded here that during his January 28 visit, Prime Minister will inaugurate the National Games as well as participate in several meetings and review ongoing development projects. Sources indicate that the Prime Minister may also seek updates on the Winter Char Dham Yatra initiative and the arrangements made by the state government to facilitate winter pilgrimages.
Sources claim that he is expected to make another visit to Uttarakhand in February. This winter stay, reportedly planned in Uttarkashi, will serve as a powerful message in promoting Uttarakhand as a year-round pilgrimage and travel destination. Chief Minister Dhami had earlier requested the Prime Minister to visit Uttarakhand during the winter season, and BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt has hinted at the possibility of such a trip.
It may be recalled that whenever Modi visits Uttarakhand, the state witnesses significant windfalls. His previous trips have played a pivotal role in boosting tourism and giving new recognition to various regions.
