“Entirely unbecoming in a democracy”: Pushkar Dhami slams Kharge over remarks against PM Modi | India News
NEW DELHI: Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his remarks concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s father and targeted Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav over his alleged use of the term “infiltrators” for the people of Uttarakhand.Dhami questioned the Congress party’s alliance with the Samajwadi Party, saying it must decide whether the alliance or the self-respect of Uttarakhand was more important to it.Reacting to Kharge’s remarks, Dhami said, “Making such absurd and inappropriate remarks about the Prime Minister’s father is entirely unbecoming in a democracy, and they have completely shattered all norms of decency.”This comes after a person present at the Patna event on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not go anywhere. Responding to the remark, Kharge said, “Modi ka baap bhi jayega.”He also raised the issue of Akhilesh Yadav’s reported remarks about the people of Uttarakhand, pointing to his political association with the Congress leadership.“Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav, who is in an alliance with the Congress and is a close friend of Rahul Gandhi, has used the term infiltrators in reference to the people of Uttarakhand,” Dhami said, criticising the language allegedly used by the Samajwadi Party chief.Dhami also referred to incidents of police firing during the Uttarakhand statehood movement, alleging that Akhilesh Yadav’s father, during his tenure as chief minister, had ordered firing on statehood agitators. Referring to the incidents at Khatima, Mussoorie, Shriyantra Tapu and Rampur Tiraha, he said, “What else could we expect from him?”The Uttarakhand chief minister further pointed out that Akhilesh Yadav’s wife hails from the state and said he should refrain from using such language about its people. “His own wife hails from Uttarakhand. He should, at the very least, refrain from using such language,” Dhami said.Questioning the Congress party’s political alliance with the Samajwadi Party, Dhami said the Congress leadership must clarify its priorities. “Furthermore, the Congress party is in an alliance with him; they must decide what they value more, this alliance or the self-respect of Uttarakhand,” he said.The CM also inspected the newly constructed bridge and tunnel project in Rudraprayag, developed under the Char Dham road project.After reviewing the project details, the chief minister announced that it would be formally inaugurated soon. During his visit, he also toured the Sangam Library under the district administration’s “Donate a Book, Plant a Tree of Knowledge” campaign.Constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 156 crore under the Char Dham road project, the infrastructure features a 200-meter-long bridge over the Alaknanda River and a 900.30-meter-long tunnel. Including the approach roads, the project spans a total length of approximately 1.18 kilometres and directly connects the Kedarnath National Highway (NH-107) with the Badrinath National Highway (NH-07).Vehicular movement on the bridge-tunnel route commenced on a trial basis on Monday. Once regular traffic begins following its formal inauguration, pilgrims travelling to the Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines will no longer need to pass through the congested Rudraprayag main market.This bypass will significantly reduce traffic pressure in the town during the Char Dham Yatra, bringing much-needed relief from traffic jams to both local residents and pilgrims.Emphasising that a smoother, safer, and well-organised Char Dham Yatra is a top priority for the state government, chief minister Dhami noted that improved road connectivity and modern infrastructure not only facilitate devotees but also boost local trade, tourism, and employment opportunities. Additionally, he reviewed ongoing slope stabilisation and protection works across landslide-prone zones along the Rudraprayag-Gaurikund National Highway, which aim to minimise landslide risks and make the pilgrimage route safer and more resilient.During his inspection of the Sangam Library, the chief minister lauded the innovative “Donate a Book, Plant a Tree of Knowledge” initiative spearheaded by District Magistrate Vishal Mishra. The campaign aims to cultivate an interest in reading among students, provide essential study materials for competitive examinations, and enrich local libraries.Receiving enthusiastic support from public representatives, officials, and citizens alike, the campaign has already gathered over 2,500 books for the Sangam Library, covering competitive exams, general knowledge, literature, and various other subjects. Contributing to the drive, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami personally donated 150 books.Addressing the gathering, the chief minister remarked that books are a vital medium for acquiring knowledge and building personality. He highlighted that community-supported book donation drives are particularly beneficial for students in need of study materials for competitive exams and will foster a strong culture of reading and learning among the youth.District Magistrate Vishal Mishra stated that the books collected through the campaign are being made readily accessible to students and general readers, directly benefiting young aspirants preparing for competitive exams. He added that through active public participation, efforts are underway to transform local libraries into effective hubs of study and knowledge enrichment.chief minister Dhami earlier participated in the Shobha Yatra (procession) organised at the Municipal Corporation in Dehradun to mark the occasion of Maharishi Valmiki Prakatotsav. During the event, the chief minister announced that the honorarium for sanitation workers employed across various state departments would soon be increased, adding that a meeting would be convened shortly to finalise the decision.Paying rich tributes to Maharishi Valmiki on his birth anniversary, the chief minister stated that through the great epic Ramayana, Maharishi Valmiki introduced the entire world to the life and ideals of Lord Shri Ram. He noted that Maharishi Valmiki’s life teaches us that a person can become an inspiration to others through noble thoughts and righteous deeds.Emphasising that an individual’s true identity is defined by their knowledge, actions, and contribution to society, he added that Maharishi Valmiki inspired the creation of an egalitarian society free from discrimination.Highlighting the core teachings of the Ramayana, chief minister Dhami said the epic conveys timeless human values such as truth, righteousness (dharma), sacrifice, and duty. It guides humanity to walk the path of righteousness while upholding love, equality, fraternity, and human dignity.He remarked that the Ramayana teaches us that a person is judged not by their caste or social standing, but by their character, actions, and dedication. He further emphasised that Sanatan culture has always championed mutual respect, love, harmony, and social cohesion.The chief minister stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is setting new benchmarks of development while preserving its rich cultural heritage. A new era of reconnecting with our roots, honouring our history, and strengthening cultural consciousness has begun. He pointed out that alongside the construction of the grand Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya under the Prime Minister’s leadership, dedicating spaces within the temple complex to Maharishi Valmiki, Nishadraj, and Mata Shabari stands as a testament to social harmony and inclusive cultural traditions.Noting that the international airport in Ayodhya has also been named after Maharishi Valmiki, the chief minister said that the central government is continuously integrating the poor, underprivileged, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and backward classes into the mainstream. Flagship initiatives such as the PM Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, Jal Jeevan Mission, and free ration distribution have empowered crores of families to lead better lives. Furthermore, legal provisions to protect the rights of SC and ST communities and prevent atrocities against them have been significantly strengthened.Reiterating Prime Minister Modi’s vision that a developed and empowered nation can only be built by ensuring equal opportunities and dignity for all, chief minister Dhami stated that the Uttarakhand government is working tirelessly for the upliftment of marginalised and deprived sections.
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Concluding his address, the chief minister remarked that Uttarakhand is Devbhoomi-a sacred land enriched by the penance of sages, deep faith in holy shrines, and ancient traditions. The state government remains committed to strengthening cultural heritage alongside modern development, passing ancient values on to the younger generation, and providing equal opportunities for all. He expressed confidence that, guided by the ideals of Maharishi Valmiki, the state will successfully realise the vision of building a developed Uttarakhand.
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