Wednesday, 30 OCTOBER 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The Bharatiya Janata Party State media in-charge Manveer Singh Chauhan has dismissed Congress’ allegations against BJP leaders regarding the violation of the model code of conduct (MCC) in Kedarnath. He said that Congress leaders are becoming increasingly anxious over the presence of BJP leaders in Kedarnath, indicating that they are fearful of the BJP’s influence.
He said that, while the MCC is in place for the Kedarnath Assembly by-election, the Kedarnath temple is open to all devotees. He questioned Congress’ issue with BJP leaders visiting the temple and speaking with others there, emphasising that anyone can engage in conversation at a public religious site. “Thousands of devotees from across the country are visiting Kedarnath, so Congress’ claim that BJP leaders were promoting the government’s achievements at the temple is laughable. Even the idea of consultation with the temple priests seems absurd as there is no requirement for Congress’ permission to visit a temple or any other religious place,” he added.
Chauhan also stated that interacting with priests at the temple is a common courtesy, not a political maneuver. He expressed disbelief at Congress’ agitation over such routine interactions, attributing it to Congress’ lack of confidence ahead of the upcoming election. “On the one hand, Congress is making grand claims about the Kedarnath by-election and on the other, it is rattled by the mere presence of BJP leaders at the temple. This clearly reveals their desperation before the election,” Chauhan said. He said that the BJP is unaffected by Congress’ actions or its presence in Kedarnath, as the BJP relies on its strong organisational base and the support of the people in the Kedarnath. The locals there are content with the development work undertaken by the BJP and hold resentment against Congress for the past neglect of the Kedarnath valley during its rule. Chauhan advised Congress to be wary of internal rivalries within its own ranks rather than focusing on the BJP. He asserted that Congress leaders and candidates appear to be as eager to challenge their own leadership as they are to confront the BJP.
