Kumari Selja, General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and the party’s in-charge for Uttarakhand, infused a great deal of enthusiasm among Congress workers. She cornered the BJP by leveling allegations regarding unemployment, rural migration, corruption, and crimes against women. She stated that an incident like the Ankita Bhandari case occurring in the “Devbhoomi” (Land of the Gods) is a matter of shame.
Speaking at the event, Kumari Selja recalled that when the Congress was in power, BJP members used to beat drums in protest, claiming that cooking gas had become too expensive. Today, despite prices having skyrocketed manifold, the unavailability of gas cylinders poses a severe threat to the livelihoods of street vendors and small *dhaba* (eatery) owners. Migration and unemployment in the state have reached a critical peak; the situation is such that villages are gradually turning into “ghost villages.” She asserted that those who claim to champion the cleanliness of the Ganges actually harbor pollution within their own mindsets. The people of the state must be liberated from this mindset. To achieve this, every section of society—including the elderly, women, and the youth—must step forward. Earlier in the program, Congress State President Ganesh Godiyal welcomed Kumari Selja, the party’s in-charge for Uttarakhand. He declared that there is a single solution to the issues of employment, land laws, domicile rights, and making Gairsain the permanent capital: a Congress government. He warned that change is imperative; otherwise, authoritarianism will reach its absolute zenith.
**Selja and Harish Rawat Praise Ganesh Godiyal**
During her address, the State Congress In-charge, Kumari Selja, heaped praise upon the Congress State President, Ganesh Godiyal. She remarked, “He is not merely one of our own within the party; he is one of *your* own—he is your beloved favorite.” She urged the workers to ensure a victory with a significant margin in the upcoming elections. Former Chief Minister Harish Rawat stated that Ganesh Godiyal is a dedicated worker of the people, and the party has placed its complete trust in him. He added that if they win the electoral battle of 2027, the party’s prestige and standing across the entire nation will soar to new heights. Former Minister Shoorveer Singh Sajwan also lauded the work and efforts of State President Godiyal.
**Leaders Corner BJP Over Ankita Bhandari Case and Rape of a Minor in Champawat**
At the Congress workers’ convention held here, various state-level leaders utilized their addresses to strongly corner the BJP over the Ankita Bhandari case, the rape of a minor in Champawat, and other incidents involving crimes against women. Former Chief Minister Harish Rawat stated that the names of BJP leaders are surfacing in cases involving the rape and other forms of harassment of young women. He remarked that the question before all of us now is how to safeguard our self-respect. He added that people of his age group ought to mentally reduce their age by ten years so that they can actively participate in the struggle and save the state.
Former CM Rawat asserted, “We represent the Pandava side, while they represent the Kaurava side. They are engaged in acts aimed at stripping away our very essence and dignity.” Leader of the Opposition Yashpal Arya stated that the BJP government has crossed all limits regarding corruption. He noted that 1,200 villages have been depopulated due to migration, and 1,700 schools have shut down. He further alleged that the CBI inquiry into the Ankita Bhandari case has effectively been put on the back burner. Former Minister Dr. Harak Singh Rawat remarked that the battle for 2027 will not be an easy one; to succeed, the Congress party must be strengthened. Former Minister Shoorvir Singh Sajwan acknowledged that the Congress party is facing a significant challenge and emphasized that the party must unite to confront it effectively. Deputy Leader of the Opposition Bhuvan Kapri stated that crimes against women in the state have reached an alarming peak.
He pointed out that, in the wake of the Ankita Bhandari case, not a single word demanding justice was uttered by any BJP leader. Additionally, he described the incident involving the rape of a minor in Champawat as deeply unfortunate. He also accused the BJP of engaging in a hollow display of nationalism. Present on this occasion were State Co-in-charge Manoj Yadav, Surendra Sharma, Sumit Bhullar, PCC member Virendra Singh Negi, City President Suraj Ghaldiyal, Sanjay Fauji, Rajpal Bisht, Kavindra Istwal, Vinod Bisht, Anju Bhatt, Meena Rawat, Sundar Lal Muyal, Madan Lal, Sudhanshu Naudiyal, Lal Singh Negi, Pushpendra Panwar, and others. The proceedings were anchored by Nishant Kandari.
