Dehradun, Oct 22 As the Congress launched its “Nyaya Yatra” in Uttarakhand on Thursday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami hit out at the opposition party, saying its string of electoral defeats began decades before CEC Gyanesh Kumar assumed office but instead of trying to regain people’s trust, it was attacking constitutional institutions.
Speaking to the media at the party office here, Dhami also announced that the BJP will conduct “Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao (save democracy, remove anarchy)” campaign across the state in two phases, from October 22 to November 30.
The chief minister asserted that public mandate is supreme in a democracy. However, instead of accepting electoral defeat, the Congress is attempting to sow distrust in the democratic system by questioning constitutional institutions and the electoral process, he alleged.
Battle lines have been drawn in the hill state, where assembly elections are due next year. The Congress on Thursday launched the “Uttarakhand Nyay Yatra” to highlight what it called the BJP government’s “anti-people policies” and the “pressing issues facing the state”. The march will conclude on October 25.
Dhami, however, said that the Congress’s “Nyay Yatra lacks both a clear vision and a concrete roadmap for addressing issues of public interest”.
“Instead of providing answers on substantive issues, the Congress is attempting to shape the political climate through unsubstantiated accusations and misleading narratives,” he alleged
Giving details of the BJP campaign, Dhami said the party will organise foot marches and public outreach programs across all 13 districts of the state “to raise awareness about democratic values and communicate the achievements of the central and state governments to the public”.
The first phase will run from October 22 to November 5, and the second phase from November 11 to November 30.
“The opposition plays a vital role in a democracy and has the right to criticise the government; however, resorting to violence, anarchy, or undermining the dignity of constitutional institutions in the name of opposition is unacceptable under any circumstances,” the chief minister said.
He said that the Congress’s tendency to claim a “victory for democracy” when they win elections while questioning the Election Commission and other constitutional bodies when they lose reflects a “dual-standard mentality.”
“Merely carrying a copy of the Constitution does not make one its protector. True respect for the Constitution is demonstrated by upholding its values, principles, and democratic traditions through one’s own conduct,” said Dhami.
Referring to recent events in Delhi, the chief minister stated that the attempt to use youth and children as a front to achieve political objectives is deeply concerning. Furthermore, statements made by some individuals regarding the creation of a “Bangladesh-like” situation in the country and the destabilisation of the system are a serious matter.
“The current Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, assumed office in 2025, whereas the Congress party’s string of electoral defeats began long before that. The Congress should introspect on the real reasons for its electoral losses.
“Rather than winning the public’s trust, casting aspersions on constitutional institutions is not in line with democratic traditions,” added the chief minister.
Outlining the campaign, Dhami stated that the first phase will commence with a foot march in Srinagar Garhwal on October 31. This will be followed by a foot march in Dehradun on November 2, with an expected participation of over 10,000 people. Another foot march will be held on November 3 in Rudrapur, located in the Udham Singh Nagar district.
Responding to a question regarding an audio clip involving the brother of Congress leader Pritam Singh, Dhami said that, given the sensitivity of the matter, an impartial investigation into all the facts is essential.
He added that the incident is being examined at the party level to uncover the actual facts and ensure that no injustice occurs toward any individual.
The chief minister clearly stated that the government stands with the victim, and that justice and impartiality remain paramount in any matter.
(PTI News)
