Dehradun: The Indian National Congress has intensified its campaign against the BJP‑led Uttarakhand administration, vowing to keep the spotlight on the Ankita Bhandari murder, suspected land‑deal irregularities, chronic job scarcity and out‑migration from the hills.

Justice for Ankita Bhandari and the VIP Angle

Congress AICC in‑charge for Uttarakhand, MP Kumari Selja, told reporters that the Bhandari case is not an isolated homicide but a symptom of a deeper crisis concerning women’s security and political accountability. She said the family’s demand for a transparent probe into the alleged involvement of a senior VIP has been dismissed, and that the recent appointment of BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam as Governor of Sikkim has only heightened public anger.

The party pledged to stand with Ankita’s parents, recalling a recent meeting with Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi at India Gate and a letter addressed to the President of India seeking intervention.

Recent Mobilisations

Under state president Ganesh Godiyal, Congress cadres have undertaken a hunger strike at Mahatma Gandhi’s statue, organised candle‑light processions, submitted memoranda and staged a motorcycle rally on 16 October. The agitation will continue until the family receives satisfactory answers.

Alleged Corruption in Land, Roads and Mining

Selja pointed to irregularities in road‑work contracts, large‑scale land transfers and mining licences, alleging that a handful of powerful individuals have profited at the public’s expense. She called for an impartial inquiry into every suspicious transaction and urged that the state’s natural resources be managed for the benefit of its citizens.

Youth Unemployment, Recruitment Scams and Rural Exodus

The youth of the hills, Selja warned, are confronting a grim job market compounded by alleged paper‑leak scandals in recruitment examinations. The mass departure from villages, she said, is a direct outcome of the lack of decent employment and basic amenities.

The Congress demanded a concrete job‑creation roadmap, transparent recruitment mechanisms and a concerted effort to stem the tide of migration.

Probes into Religious and Welfare Funds

The party also raised concerns over the handling of devotees’ offerings at Badrinath Temple, demanding full disclosure of accounts and an independent audit.

In a similar vein, the Women and Child Development portfolio headed by Rekha Arya was accused of financial irregularities in ration distribution, mid‑day meals and the National Games budget. Selja questioned the credibility of the Special Investigation Team, insisting that any inquiry must be truly independent.

Safeguarding Uttarakhand’s Identity and Natural Wealth

“Uttarakhand was forged by sacrifice; its land, forests and people deserve protection,” Selja asserted, accusing the state government of neglecting these responsibilities while allowing corruption and job loss to fester.

Protest Calendar

  • 22–25 October 2026: Justice marches across the state, coupled with constituency‑level dialogues on the Bhandari case and other public grievances.
  • 27 October 2026: A coordinated gherao of the Uttarakhand Assembly in Gairsain, targeting the alleged VIP link to the murder, corruption, unemployment and migration issues.
  • 1 November 2026: Uttarakhand Congress workers will join a massive rally in Delhi demanding a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and safeguarding voter rights.
  • 4 November 2026: Demonstrations at district and state headquarters to highlight illegal land transfers, undervalued sales and threats to the state’s natural resources.

What Congress Promises If It Returns to Power

Should the party form the next state government, it pledges swift, unbiased investigations into all corruption allegations, transparent budgeting, revamped recruitment mechanisms, a robust job‑creation agenda, policies to curb out‑migration, and stronger safeguards for women’s security.

Selja appealed to Uttarakhand’s electorate to back the Congress’s campaign for dignity, justice for women, youth opportunities and the preservation of democratic rights.

The press conference featured senior leaders including Deputy Leader of the Opposition Bhuvan Kapri, CWC member Gurdeep Singh Sappal, state co‑in‑charges Manoj Yadav and Surendra Sharma, Ex‑Servicemen chair Colonel Ram Ratan Negi, and many others who reiterated that the 27 October assembly gherao will be a pivotal moment in the fight against the current government.