By Arun Pratap SinghGarhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 5 Jan: The BJP today accused the opposition of indulging in irresponsible politics over a sensitive issue and deliberately vitiating the atmosphere in Uttarakhand. Party National Co-Treasurer and Rajya Sabha member Naresh Bansal asserted the state government is prepared for any kind of investigation, provided it is based on solid and credible evidence. Strongly condemning incidents of banner tearing and unruly behaviour witnessed during the protest a day earlier, Bansal expressed apprehension that a movement initiated in the name of justice is gradually slipping into the hands of political anarchic elements.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP State Headquarters here, today, Bansal alleged that several political parties and the persons driven by personal political ambitions are exploiting the sensitive Ankita murder case for irresponsible political gains. Referring to the developments so far, he claimed that the recent incidents of vandalism, tearing of banners, indecent behaviour and forcible entry into houses clearly indicate a deliberate attempt to disturb the law & order situation and spoil the overall environment of the state.
However, when journalists questioned him on the so-called VIP controversy and tried to corner him, he was unable to provide clear responses on certain questions. Bansal nevertheless made an effort to put forth the party’s stand and responded to questions raised by the Congress. He alleged that the Congress is raking up the Ankita murder case without any concrete basis and is playing with the emotions of the people of the state on a highly emotional issue.
Bansal stated that the BJP-led government has already made it clear that it has no hesitation in facing a CBI probe or any other investigation agency. However, he stressed that such investigations must be backed by solid evidence and logical facts, or those making allegations should place the same before the investigating agencies. He pointed out that since the matter is presently pending before the appellate court, even there, fresh investigation would require credible evidence to be submitted before the court. He asserted that the BJP does not shy away from any investigation and that if new facts emerge, those too will be thoroughly examined.
When asked about the issue of a non-bailable warrant against Urmila Sanawar and the delay in arresting Suresh Rathore, and why a non-bailable warrant had not been issued against him, Bansal responded that a non-bailable warrant has already been issued against a woman in the case. He said raids are also being conducted to trace Suresh Rathore. Once both are located, their statements will be recorded and investigated. If during the course of investigation, the involvement of any other person emerges, the government will not hesitate in sending them behind bars. He termed it condemnable to spread rumours merely to further political interests and described the incident at Dilaram Chowk as highly reprehensible, stating that politically irrelevant elements are indulging in such acts. He maintained that the government is neither running away from any investigation nor stepping back from it.
Raising further questions, Bansal said that all the issues being raised repeatedly by the Congress and other groups have already been extensively debated in court. On the basis of that judicial process, all the accused have been awarded the maximum punishment of life imprisonment. He reminded that as soon as the tragic incident of Ankita’s murder came to light, immediate action was taken and the accused were arrested without delay. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted under the leadership of a woman DIG, which collected all relevant and concrete evidence and presented it before the court. During the trial, issues such as the alleged involvement of a VIP and tampering with the crime scene were thoroughly examined, and the court clearly observed that no such possibility appeared to exist. He further stated that people had even approached the Supreme Court seeking a CBI inquiry, but the court declined to order any additional investigation. In such a situation, when after prolonged hearings the court has already delivered its verdict and the matter is now pending in the High Court on appeal, he questioned the need to repeatedly rake up the same issues. Nevertheless, he said that if anyone possesses any authentic evidence or information, it should be presented before the investigating agencies or the court, and if found to be credible, the government remains open to all forms of investigation.
Bansal described the conduct of the opposition and certain politically ambitious individuals on the issue as extremely unfortunate. He alleged that they are attempting to carve out their political prospects for the 2027 elections by exploiting the case. In doing so, he said, they are not only damaging the image and atmosphere of the state but are also repeatedly disrespecting the soul of the deceased Ankita. He accused the Congress in particular of committing this moral wrong by repeatedly floating different names without evidence or facts under the pretext of demanding a CBI inquiry.
He further questioned the intent behind the Congress demand for a CBI probe, stating that it remains under a cloud of suspicion. He pointed out that the Congress has consistently accused the CBI of bias and acting under pressure, yet is now demanding an inquiry by the same agency. He questioned whether this was an attempt to protect those already convicted by the courts, as a CBI probe could potentially increase the chances of bail for the convicts.
Bansal also appealed to those people, whose allegations are being politically exploited by the Congress, to come forward and present their evidence. He expressed hope that either the police would soon reach them or they should themselves would approach the police, which would clarify what kind of evidence they actually possess. He said the truth remains that the Congress has attempted negative politics in the past as well and has been repeatedly rejected in the court of public opinion.
He alleged that out of frustration and disappointment, the Congress and the opposition are once again trying to disturb the atmosphere of the state, the ugly face of which was clearly visible during the Dehradun rally held a day earlier, where chaos was created by supporters of various political parties trying to outdo each other. He said that although the rally was organised on the call of the general public, the presence of flags and slogans of different political parties clearly showed that it had turned into a political gathering. The BJP strongly condemns the incidents of vandalism, forced entry into homes and indecent behaviour with elderly persons during the protest, stating that it appears a struggle has begun among political parties to capture a movement that was originally started in the name of delivering justice.
He said the people of the state are watching and understanding everything, and are well aware that under the cover of this movement, several individuals are attempting to polish their image ahead of the 2027 elections. He asserted that the public will once again teach them a lesson, as they have complete faith in Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and the BJP government.
Also present at the press conference were BJP State Media In-charge Manveer Chauhan, State President of the BJP Mahila Morcha Ruchi Bhatt Chauhan, Co-Media In-charge Rajendra Singh Negi and BJP’s State Spokesperson Hani Pathak.
About The Author
