MAHA YAGYA OF DEVELOPMENT IS GOING ON IN UTTARAKHAND: DHAMI

Stepping out of Jaipur studio of First India News, the Keynote by Pawan Arora was in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand this time. CEO and Managing Editor of First India News Pawan Arora was in conversation with Pushkar Singh Dhami the youngest Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, known for his decisive leadership. Dhami spoke on varied issues including his political journey, how PM Modi entrusted him with the responsibility of Uttarakhand, why UCC is important, land jihad, and anticheating bill. Excerpts

Q. Pawan Arora: So what was your early life like? You come from a humble background in the hills, with your father serving in the armed forces.

A. Pushkar Singh Dhami: I come from a humble background and was born in Pithoragarh. I spent my childhood in various places, including Khatima, Sagar (MP), and later Lucknow. In Lucknow, I joined the Vidyarthi Parishad as a karyakarta, where I gradually took on more responsibilities. My involvement in student organizations led me into social work, and with the formation of Uttarakhand, I returned to the state to contribute.

Q. You became Uttarakhand’s youngest Chief Minister in 2021 after Tirath Singh Rawat resigned. Many were surprised by your appointment — it was seen as a testament to your potential and talent.

A. In our organisation, senior leaders assess who is best suited for a role based on the country’s needs, time, and circumstances. I never lobbied or sought any position. On the very day of the Legislative Assembly meeting, I learned about my appointment. This is the beauty of our organisation — even an ordinary worker can be entrusted with significant responsibilities without lobbying.

I am deeply grateful to our Honourable Prime Minister, Home Minister, National President, and central leadership for finding me worthy of this role. I have since strived to fulfil my responsibilities under their guidance to the best of my ability.

Q. BJP didn’t win the Badrinath seat and many believed Kedarnath would also be a tough battle. Did you feel the same, or did Modi Ji’s development initiatives in Kedarnath give you confidence?

A. Badrinath’s result wasn’t surprising, as it’s traditionally a Congress seat, despite their exaggerated claims. They said, “We won Ayodhya, Badrinath, and now Kedarnath,” but I knew these illusions would be shattered. By Baba Kedarnath’s grace, they were. Congress called this election a “semi-final,” but losing the semi-final means you don’t make it to the final. This victory is a testament to Modi Ji’s leadership, development, and Sanatan Dharma. It’s a win for the people, who rejected Congress’s lies and divisive politics. The public saw through their false narratives about the Yatra and Kedarnath’s sacred stone.

Q. You’re known for making tough decisions, and Uttarakhand is the only state to have passed Uniform Civil Code. Some say it infringes on privacy and personal freedom.

A. The UCC, rooted in Article 44, has been our party’s vision since independence. Promised in 2022, it was drafted by a committee led by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai and passed with the President’s assent. Implementation, requiring training and digital tools, is nearly complete.

UCC ensures equality, especially for women, without infringing on privacy, aligning with Supreme Court rulings. It addresses issues like young adults living together without family knowledge, often leading to abuse. Our aim is safety, not intrusion. From Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, the birthplace of the Ganga, UCC will flow as a lifeline for the nation.

Q. Phrases like “love jihad” and “land jihad” are being debated, with concerns about targeting specific communities. Is this misunderstood?

A. Some view every action politically, but in Devbhoomi, we value peaceful coexistence. However, issues like illegal encroachment, forced conversions, and exploitation of women demand action. We’ve reclaimed 5,000 acres of encroached land and introduced a law against forced conversion to protect vulnerable individuals.

Q. You’ve implemented a strict anti-cheating law was it impactful?

A. Absolutely. For years, paper leaks and cheating by mafias shattered students’ dreams. We jailed over 100 offenders, despite opposition and misinformation. The law, with provisions like property confiscation, has transformed the system. The recent PCS exam saw students from every district succeeding, restoring trust and fairness.

Q. Why haven’t you formed a full cabinet yet, with several ministerial posts vacant?

A. The decision is underway & will align with advancing Uttarakhand’s progress. With a focus on development, the state excels in startups, infra, & investments, while unemployment drops by 4.4%. GST growth remains strong; expansions in roads, railways, air, and heli services highlight Uttarakhand’s rising trajectory.