The political uncertainty in Uttarakhand has affected functioning of the State administration as the Government machinery is focusing more on the political goings on at a time when its efforts should be focused on the imminent start of Char Dham Yatra, the drought condition and disaster mitigation preparedness for the monsoon. Former Chief Minister Harish Rawat’s media advisor and spokesman, Surendra Kumar said this while addressing the media here on Tuesday.
He said, “The political uncertainty created by the BJP in Uttarakhand might prove detrimental to the Char Dham Yatra. At a time when the Government machinery should be focusing on Char Dham Yatra preparations, tackling drought and strengthening disaster preparedness for the rainy season, it is focusing on the political uncertainty. Instead of acting as required, the Government machinery is focusing its attention on the political uncertainty, trying to reckon who might gain in power. The present situation has also given rise to doubt among the public and might also affect the Char Dham Yatra detrimentally. People are calling from across India and abroad asking about the status of the Char Dham Yatra. The State Government under former Chief Minister Harish Rawat had allocated `5 crore each to all district magistrates for dealing with the drought and executing various works. However, the political uncertainty has hampered functioning of the State administration. The approved budget of `700 crore which was to be spent on developmental works during the month of March has not been spent as desired.”
He further pointed out that during the term of the Congress-led State Government, the BJP leaders had consistently accused former Chief Minister and MlA Vijay Bahuguna, Satpal Maharaj and MlA Amrita Rawat of corruption and misuse of office. Distributing copies of reported allegations of corruption and orchestration of scams leveled by the BJP against the three, Kumar lambasted the BJP for ignoring its own claims in order to bring down the elected State Government.