Thousands from Uttarakhand join ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan; Congress chief accuses BJP governments of undermining democratic institutions, fuelling economic distress and targeting opposition voices.

Dehradun: Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee president Ganesh Godiyal on Sunday declared that the Congress would continue its political struggle against the policies of the BJP-led government, asserting that the fight to protect democracy, the Constitution and citizens’ rights would continue from the streets to Parliament.

Leading a large contingent from Uttarakhand, Godiyal participated in the ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ mega rally organised at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi. Thousands of Congress leaders, office-bearers, public representatives, party workers and supporters from the state took part in the gathering, held under the joint leadership of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and INDIA bloc leaders.

Thanking the participants who travelled from Uttarakhand, Godiyal said the massive gathering had sent a clear political message to the BJP government at the Centre. He asserted that people would no longer tolerate what he described as anti-people policies and attempts to weaken democratic institutions.

Economic Policies and Public Distress

Targeting the Centre’s economic policies, the PCC president alleged that rising inflation and the high prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas had placed an unbearable burden on ordinary households. He accused the BJP government of favouring select industrialists while providing them financial concessions and loan waivers, even as common people continued to face economic hardships.

Godiyal said the Congress, under the leadership of Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA bloc, would remain committed to safeguarding constitutional values, democratic institutions and the rights of ordinary citizens. He maintained that the party’s struggle would continue until the BJP government was removed from power.

Attack on Dhami Government Over Opposition and Ankita Bhandari Case

Turning his criticism towards the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led government in Uttarakhand, Godiyal alleged that opposition leaders and Congress workers were being repeatedly targeted. He termed the state government's approach repressive and warned that the Congress would not accept what it considers political intimidation.

He also raised the issue of the Ankita Bhandari murder case, saying that the demand for justice and impartial action against those responsible remained a major concern for the people of Uttarakhand. Referring to the reported appointment of Dushyant Kumar as Governor, he claimed that the decision had deeply hurt public sentiment in the state.

Godiyal appealed to people across Uttarakhand to join the demand for justice for Ankita Bhandari, describing it as a matter not merely for the Congress but one connected with the dignity, identity and collective conscience of the state. He urged citizens to raise their voices on the issue.

Allegations of Congress Workers Being Stopped En-Route

The Congress leader further alleged that thousands of party workers travelling from Uttarakhand to attend the Delhi rally were stopped by the police in Uttar Pradesh under pressure from the state government. Describing the alleged action as contrary to democratic principles, he said citizens must be allowed to exercise their right to participate in peaceful political activities.

Godiyal said the large turnout at Ramlila Maidan reflected growing public dissatisfaction with the BJP government's policies and a desire for political change. Expressing confidence in the unity of Congress workers and public support, he said the party's campaign to defend democracy and the Constitution would reach a decisive stage.

At the conclusion, the PCC president thanked senior party leaders, presidents of district and city Congress committees, block presidents, frontal organisations, departments, cells and the thousands of workers who contributed to the rally's success.

The press statement was issued by Rajendra Singh Bhandari, General Secretary (Organisation), Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee.

Disclaimer: This news is written on the basis of information received from different authentic sources.