The Uttarakhand Kranti Dal, once known as the only regional party in the State, which had played a vital role in the statehood movement, is now divided into six factions. The organisational deterioration of the UKD after creation of the Uttarakhand State has now made the public disillusioned with regional political parties.
However, a strong regional party is needed for the welfare of the State and its people at a time when flawed policies of successive State Governments headed by the two national parties have prevented the natives from achieving the desired level of development. In order to address these issues, various politicians and statehood movement activists have formed a new political party - Devbhoomi Janvikas Party (DJP).
Addressing the media at the press club here on Tuesday, former UKD leader and central head of the newly formed DJP, AP Juyal said, “It is disappointing to see those not concerned about the State’s interests are now in influential positions in spheres including estates, resources and important institutions. The representation of Uttarakhand’s native residents is negligible in industry, tourism, construction, hydro power, education, medical and other sectors with people from outside the State taking over influential positions in these sectors.”
Referring to the UKD, he said, “The UKD had entered the Vidhan Sabha as a regional party with four of its candidates elected to the assembly in 2002. However, the number of UKD candidates dropped successively to just one at present and even then the party is divided into six factions. Party leaders betrayed public expectations and focused on personal gains by dividing the party in order to secure positions in successive BJP/Congress State governments due to which the people lost trust in the UKD. Two-year long efforts for reuniting the party failed so after much deliberations, we have launched the DJP as a regional party which will generate public awareness to consolidate the voters,” said Juyal.
The main focus of the party will be on mitigating migration from the mountainous regions and establishment of Gairsain as the State Capital.