Opposing land law means undermining efforts to preserve Uttarakhand’s identity: Bahuguna

PNS | DEHRADUN

Cabinet minister Saurabh Bahuguna has stated that those spreading misinformation against the land law are weakening efforts to protect land in Uttarakhand. He said that the law is not a political issue but a necessary step to preserve the original identity of the State. He accused political opponents of opposing the law for political reasons and of being responsible for handing over land to the mafia in the past.

Bahuguna alleged that opposition parties, including the Congress, have supported land mafia to protect their vote bank and promote corruption. He said this had created the long-standing need for a strong, comprehensive and effective land law, which the government has now implemented. He claimed that the law was drafted after detailed discussions with all stakeholders through a high-level committee and that it meets public expectations.

He further stated that the government, the legislature and the judiciary have all made it clear that this law is only the beginning of effective measures to protect the State’s land resources. Any further improvements suggested in the future would be considered seriously, he said. He stated that the government’s intentions are clear and that the law includes provisions to prevent any demographic changes by mafias. He also criticised the Congress for opposing other laws, including those against exam paper leaks, land-related crimes and forced religious conversions, as well as laws aimed at securing women’s rights. He claimed that the public understands the Congress’ stance on these issues. He also claimed that some individuals raising concerns about the land laws have a history of opposing the formation of the State. He said that instead of finding political faults in the law, the opposition should make efforts to strengthen it by providing constructive recommendations.