A major political confrontation erupted on Thursday following the central government's move to name Bharatiya Janata Party leader Dushyant Gautam as the Governor of Sikkim. The Congress party launched widespread protests, demanding that the appointment be stayed immediately. The opposition argued that Gautam's name had surfaced during investigations into the high-profile Ankita Bhandari murder case, warning that granting him constitutional immunity would hinder a transparent and impartial legal process while the case remains open.
Letter to the President and Protests from Delhi to Dehradun
Leading the campaign, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed a formal letter to the President seeking an immediate halt to Gautam's gubernatorial appointment. Prior to dispatching the communication, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi joined the grieving family of Ankita Bhandari at India Gate in New Delhi to stage a demonstration. The victim's parents maintain that until the Central Bureau of Investigation completes its probe into the entire conspiracy, Dushyant Gautam should not be sworn into any constitutional post.
Congress Takes to Streets Across Uttarakhand
The issue triggered rallies across multiple locations in Uttarakhand. In Dehradun, former Chief Minister Harish Rawat spearheaded a mass demonstration, asserting that Congress workers would not stay quiet and were prepared to face imprisonment in their quest to secure justice for Ankita Bhandari. Rawat stated that elevating Gautam to a gubernatorial role amounted to rubbing salt into the wounds of the bereaved family. Adding to the offensive, Congress Uttarakhand in-charge Kumari Selja warned that the national mood has shifted, stating that the public will not tolerate such actions and that the ruling party would face severe consequences.
The Resort Incident and the VIP Controversy
Ankita Bhandari was employed as a receptionist at a resort in Uttarakhand before her body was recovered under tragic circumstances. Police subsequent action led to the arrest of four individuals, including the owner of the resort property. During the investigation, attention centered around mentions of an unidentified influential visitor after WhatsApp exchanges between the victim and her friend came to light. The messages revealed that the resort owner had been pressuring her to offer specialized services to a VIP in exchange for money. Her refusal led to a heated altercation with the accused, resulting in her murder. Regarding the police investigation, Uttarakhand ADG of Law and Order Dr. V. Murugesan had earlier confirmed that a detailed 500-page charge sheet was filed in connection with the murder.
Chief Minister Dhami Rebuts Opposition Charges
Responding firmly to allegations leveled by Rahul Gandhi, Harish Rawat, and other opposition leaders, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the administration has handled the tragedy with utmost sensitivity since day one. Dhami highlighted that all necessary assistance was promptly extended to the family, the perpetrators were sent to jail, financial relief was provided, and the investigation was handed over to the CBI at the family's request. Accusing the Congress party of exploiting a tragedy for partisan political gain, Dhami maintained that the government stands committed to delivering justice while the opposition is merely focused on creating political drama.
