President’s visit, PM’s planned arrival reflect Uttarakhand’s growing national importance: Bhatt

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

The arrival of President Droupadi Murmu in Uttarakhand for the State’s silver jubilee session and the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlight the State’s growing importance at the national level, the BJP State president and Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt said. Addressing media persons at the party headquarters on Monday, Bhatt said that the President’s participation in the Assembly’s special session on the 25th State Foundation Day shows the Centre’s recognition of Uttarakhand’s contribution. He added that the PM’s visit on November 9 has created enthusiasm among residents across the State. Bhatt urged the opposition to rise above party politics and engage in constructive discussion during the special session, which aims to review Uttarakhand’s 25-year journey and outline a roadmap for the next 25 years. He said that the session should focus on identifying key challenges and discussing solutions rather than political disagreements. Responding to the Congress’ criticism of the session’s short duration, Bhatt said that the purpose of the sitting is not length but meaningful dialogue on development priorities. Commenting on former chief minister Harish Rawat’s remarks about making Gairsain the permanent capital, Bhatt said that the Congress had never raised the issue through any formal legislative process when in power. He added that it was the BJP government that declared Gairsain the summer capital and initiated its development. He said that decisions regarding the capital should emerge from consensus, claiming that the State’s progress depends on balanced development of all regions.