CBI probe in UKSSSC paper leak case questions government’s credibility, nothing to celebrate: Chamoli
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Dharampur MLA Vinod Chamoli has stated that the State government’s recommendation for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC) graduate-level recruitment exam paper leak is not something to be proud of to the extent that leaders are competing to take credit.
He said that a CBI probe raises questions on the government’s functioning and credibility and should not be seen as an occasion for celebration. After the government’s approval of a CBI inquiry, several BJP leaders including Haridwar MP and former chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, ministers, MLAs and BJP State president Mahendra Bhatt made statements claiming credit for the move.
Many also distributed sweets and busted firecrackers at Rawat’s residence and at BJP headquarters following the CBI probe announcement by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. However Chamoli expressed a different view, stating that the candidates had been agitating for a long time and their issues needed attention.
He said that the CM listened to their concerns, which was significant but the manner in which people were bursting crackers and distributing sweets after the CBI approval was difficult for him to understand. “The probe should instead be seen as a matter of concern as it indicates shortcomings in governance,” he said.
He stated that while the move reflects that the students’ agitation has been acknowledged and respected by the government, it also projects Uttarakhand as a corrupt State at the national level. Chamoli said that Uttarakhand has been known for its image of honest and patriotic people but the CBI probe approval has affected that perception.
He also questioned the effectiveness of the State’s strict anti-copying law, introduced in 2021-22, pointing out that approval of the CBI inquiry suggests a lack of confidence in the law. He raised concerns on whether past recruitments, including backdoor appointments in 2015-16 and approximately 37,000 appointments since the formation of the State, will also fall under the scope of the investigation.
He said that this is a time for introspection rather than celebration or taking credit and that the developments highlight deeper issues that need to be addressed. Known for his candid opinion even if it goes against the mainstream, Chamoli has elicited focus on what could either be interpreted as a sign of internal democracy in the BJP or simmering dissatisfaction within the party against the aspects of the State government’s functioning.
