In the special program 'CM Sahib' by Aajtak, Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami engaged in an insightful conversation with Anjana Om Kashyap (Managing Editor, Special Projects), addressing various critical issues. When asked about the work he considers his most impactful as Chief Minister, he said, 'Given my capabilities, I leave no stone unturned. I strive to exert maximum effort, backed by support from the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Defense Minister, and all senior leaders.'
Chief Minister Dhami mentioned that they have passed the UCC bill in Uttarakhand. Proudly, it is the first state to implement a Uniform Civil Code since independence. Secondly, a stringent anti-cheating law has been established. Earlier, competent and diligent candidates would take exams, but cheating mafias hindered their selection, thus jeopardizing their future. Post the enactment of the anti-cheating law, 16,000 appointments have been made without any paper leak or recruitment getting stuck in court battles.
Realized Becoming CM in the Legislative Meeting
Despite losing his own seat, what did the party leadership see in Pushkar Singh Dhami to keep him as Chief Minister? In response, CM Dhami recalls, 'When BJP formed the government in Uttarakhand in 2017, I aspired to be included in the cabinet list. However, the organizational decisions at that time did not include me. Nevertheless, I continued working for the party. When I attended the legislative assembly meeting, I was unaware I was being made CM. When my name was called, I realized I was going to become Chief Minister. With six months left for the election when I took on the CM responsibilities, I focused on spreading PM Modi's message across the state.'
Action Against Encroachment, Stricter Land Laws
Regarding the allegations of intimidating Muslims in the state, CM Dhami clarified, 'Our state cherishes harmony among its people, embodying the essence of Devbhoomi. However, some demographic changes with illegal shrines occurred. Any demolished structures were cases of unlawful encroachment on government lands. Such encroachments cannot be justified, and we will continue to remove encroachments.'
On the rapid growth of the Muslim population in Uttarakhand, Dhami pointed out, 'In previous years, verification was lax. Anyone could come here, even with criminal intents, and settle down. Hence, we have started verification. Individuals with criminal backgrounds will be identified.' Regarding land laws, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that under existing regulations, buying land over 250 square feet is allowed, which is from before his tenure. We are moving towards making stricter laws. Currently, buying agricultural land is prohibited.
Construction Stopped in Sensitive Areas like Joshimath
The number of pilgrims participating in the Char Dham Yatra is rising exponentially. Discussing measures for efficient pilgrimage management, CM Dhami said, 'In the past three years, pilgrimage participation has quadrupled. We are facilitating online registration around all shrines. Our top priority is pilgrim safety, and we are taking every necessary step to ensure this. Our focus is on achieving development without harming the environment. Places like Joshimath have a bearing capacity. We are surveying such locations to ensure no new constructions occur once the capacity is full.'
On the Ankita Bhandari case, CM Pushkar Dhami remarked, 'It was a deeply tragic incident. As soon as the crime was reported, we swiftly ensured the arrest of all three accused who are now jailed. The police gathered all evidence, and a female DIG leads the SIT investigation, having gathered all facts and witness statements. Claims of bulldozing the resort and missing documents are misleading. All evidence is intact with SIT. The case is progressing to trial, and we are advocating for Ankita to receive justice. We are committed to ensuring that the perpetrators face due punishment.'
