Saturday, 21 August 2021 | PNS | Joshimath
Demanding resumption of the pilgrimage to Badrinath, some of the locals and members of the Vyapar Mandal began a protest in the temple township on Friday. To support the protesters a group of Congress party members including former minister Rajendra Bhandari set out for Badrinath. However, the authorities stopped them at Pandukeshwar. The district officials said that according to the SOPs issued by the state government visitors are not allowed in Badrinath at present while the appeal of the state government is pending in the Supreme Court regarding resumption of the Char Dham Yatra.
In Badrinath, some of the local residents, those involved in the hotel industry and members of the Vyapar Mandal took out a protest march from Saket intersection to Mana Chowk raising slogans against the state government.
Meanwhile, Bhandari held a Press conference later and alleged that double standards are being observed. He said that according to the SOPs, the MLA and ministers can visit Badrinath but others are not allowed to visit. He said that while the local MLA had supported the Char Dham Devasthanam Board, Teerth Purohits in all the Char Dham shrines are protesting against the board. Bhandari further opined that the people are disappointed with the BJP and want a change.
