By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 25 Aug: Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and Haridwar MP Trivendra Singh Rawat today expressed concern over the current state of affairs in the state. He has also cautioned the government against any actions that might damage the image of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He said it is his duty to repeatedly warn those responsible so that the party’s credibility is not undermined.
Addressing media persons here, Rawat described the situation as serious and regrettable. He also pointed out that, in certain cases, the police had failed to file First Information Reports (FIRs) even after eight months, while in some other cases FIRs had not been registered even after two months. Rawat asserted that the public had placed faith in the BJP by electing 47 MLAs and five MPs, and it is therefore essential to ensure that this trust remains intact.
Reacting to allegations levelled by former Congress minister Harak Singh Rawat, the former Chief Minister said that such charges can’t be trusted or be relied upon, as Harak Singh Rawat himself seems uncertain about what he might say next. He observed that Harak Singh Rawat is in a transitional phase in his life and that this explains his tendency to make inconsistent and unreasonable remarks.
On the specific charge that the BJP received a donation of Rs 30 crores, Trivendra Singh Rawat clarified that the actual amount was Rs 27 crore, all of which was received through a transparent banking process. He underlined that every rupee was properly accounted for and reiterated his belief that donations to political parties must be completely transparent, which had been the case in this instance.
Rawat further stressed that all parties in the country receive financial contributions and there is nothing objectionable about it. However, he repeated that Harak Singh Rawat often makes contradictory statements, sometimes speaking the truth but frequently negating his own words soon after.
On allegations concerning corruption in the state’s mining sector, Rawat maintained that all mining activity needs to be conducted strictly within the legal framework. He said mining was vital for Uttarakhand, as without it, rivers would considerably damage agricultural fields and the state would also suffer significant financial losses in revenue. He emphasised that there is a need to optimally utilise natural resources but added that this must be done within reasonable limits. He added that one should only draw as much water from a pond as required, instead of deploying machines to completely drain it. Similarly, he observed, mining is necessary but must always be carried out lawfully.
Commenting on the conduct of the Opposition during the recent monsoon session in Gairsain, the Haridwar MP asserted that, while it is the right of the Opposition to raise issues through protest, it should always be done in a dignified manner and within the prescribed rules. He criticised Congress members for undignified behaviour in the House, stating that no member has any right to lie down or sleep on the floor before the Speaker’s Chair. He questioned whether Congress leaders would tolerate similar behaviour from the BJP if the roles were reversed in the future.
Rawat also observed that the elected representatives have a responsibility towards the people, and that the public carefully watches their conduct. It is only the trust of the electorate that enables them to become MLAs. If they fail in fulfilling their duties, the same public would hold them accountable.
