State Cong leaders stage protest at Jantar Mantar

Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee president Kishore Upadhyaya led party leaders and members staged a 24-hour protest fast at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi accusing the Central Government of being apathetic towards Uttarakhand. Speaking at the protest site, Upadhyaya said the PCC was putting up a fight on everyone’s behalf as the Central Government was not sensitive about issues pertaining to the State. 

“We had announced a peaceful demonstration outside PMs House but this was not permitted. At a time when the State needs assistance to facilitate restoration following the 2013 disaster, the Central Government had decreased Central assistance to the State. “The Ardh Kumb is to be held in Uttarakhand next year but no assistance has been provided by the Centre for this. No assistance has been provided by the Centre to Uttarakhand for Swachh Bharat mission,” said Upadhyaya. 

He also raised several issues including non-approval of special industrial package, no financial aid for for the disaster affected and no exemption on taxes. He further said that the PCC would hold such programmes every month until the Central Government stops ignoring Uttarakhand considering it to be a small state.

Recently elected Rajya Sabha member Raj Babbar also addressed the gathering among others.  The Congress State co-in charge Sanjay Kapoor, Sarita Arya, lalit Farswan, Pradeep Tamta, Ranjeet Rawat, Sarojni Kaintura, Saket Bahuguna and party workers were present at the demonstration.