Dehradun: Protests have erupted across Uttarakhand following a controversial statement made by Finance Minister Prem Chand Agarwal during the Dehradun budget session on February 21.
In response to the minister’s statement, a Pahadi Swabhiman Rally is being organized in Gairsain, Chamoli, to demand his resignation. The rally will take place on March 6 at Ramlila Maidan, and people from all over the state are being invited to participate. Notably, the invitation for the rally is not being extended by any political party or social organization but by prominent figures from the state.
Famous folk singer ‘Garh Ratna’ Narendra Singh Negi called for a rally
Uttarakhand’s famous folk singer Garh Ratna Narendra Singh Negi has posted a video on his Instagram account to inform the public about the rally. In the video, he states that the people of Gairsain and its surroundings will gather on March 6 at 10:30 am to demand the resignation of Minister Prem Chand Agarwal. He has urged people to attend the rally and convey their demands to the Uttarakhand government and administration.
Criticism within the party
The controversy surrounding Minister Prem Chand Agarwal’s statement has also drawn reactions from other political figures. Former minister Arvind Pandey, a BJP MLA, criticized the minister’s language, stating that no one has the right to use abusive language against any community. He emphasized that there are many people who stand against such behavior, even if they cannot openly oppose it.
Opposition Congress targets minister
Former Congress president Pritam Singh also targeted Minister Prem Chand Agarwal, expressing his disapproval of the minister’s conduct. Singh, a six-time MLA, remarked that he had never seen a parliamentary minister lose his temper in the Vidhan Sabha before. He called for the BJP to remove the minister from his post, warning that the public would hold the party accountable if they failed to take action.
People from various parts of Uttarakhand coming together to voice their concerns
The Pahadi Swabhiman Rally in Gairsain is expected to be a significant event, with people from various parts of Uttarakhand coming together to voice their concerns and demand accountability from their leaders. As the date of the rally approaches, the situation remains tense, and the outcome of the protests will likely have a lasting impact on the political landscape of the state.
The statement, which addressed the issue of regionalism raised by MLA Madan Bisht, has sparked widespread outrage and led to protests in various parts of the state. Effigies of the minister have been burnt, and slogans of protest continue to be raised against him.
