Active judiciary
In sharp contrast to Uttarakhand Government being on virtual ‘Yoga Mode’ fIJor the past fortnight to ensure mammoth turnout for PM Modi’s much- hyped mega show in Dehradun on International Day of Yoga, the Uttarakhand High Court was in ‘Active Mode’ as it passed a slew of judgments on many public interest issues. The HC sitting after the summer vacations directed the State Government to remove all encroachments from the roads of Dehradun and along Rispana river. It also gave orders to remove encroachments from Corbett Tiger Reserve, cancelled the notification regarding enforcement of Dehradun master plan, asked the Government to draft a policy for mentally challenged children and stayed mining within 10 kms of all National Parks of the State. It is clear that a Government busy to please Modi by mobilising a big crowd and micro management of the ostentatious Yoga show overlooked most of these very important decisions of the judiciary having far-reaching consequences. With Yoga day show proving to be a hit as per the expectations of the edgy Government, one hopes that the relaxed Government would now ponder over these HC decisions and act accordingly.
Shah shakes
It is study time for the State BJP unit as fear of reprimand from the national president IJAmit Shah, scheduled to visit Dehradun this weekend, has forced the top party brass to rummage through the propaganda materials of the party. They are anxiously turning the pages of the booklet containing the achievements of Narendra Modi Government over the last four years and taking important figures and data to their heart. The saffron outfit is in election mode for next year’s general election and the redoubtable Shah is expected to tighten screws of the State party and review the performance of Ministers in the Government during his visit. However, the party old- timers know it pretty well that Shah in his classroom would surely test their knowledge on achievements of Modi Government. They also know it beyond doubt that the party president would give them a dressing down if he finds them ignorant on this very important aspect.
Combative camps
Much to the glee of BJP leaders, the Congress in the Himalayan state, in tatters since Assembly poll drubbing, is now reeling under one of its worst factional squabbling. Two camps, one comprising the state PCC chief Pritam Singh and veteran Indira Hridayesh and the other headed by indomitable former chief minister Harish Rawat and his foe turned- friend Kishore Upadhyay are at logger heads. Observers opine that the recent no- holds- barred mud-slinging by two rival camps appear to have been triggered by inclusion of Hem Arya into the party fold. However, the real motive is the reconstitution of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) being on the cards. Pritam Singh is soon expected to constitute a new committee and rival camps want to ensure that their followers are not given short shrift.