Dehradun: The Indian National Congress has intensified its campaign against the BJP‑led Uttarakhand administration, promising to keep the spotlight on the Ankita Bhandari murder, alleged land‑deal frauds, chronic joblessness and the growing exodus 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; it epitomises a wider crisis of women’s safety and political accountability. She said the family’s demand for an open enquiry into the suspected involvement of a senior VIP has been brushed aside, and 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 written appeal to the President of India seeking intervention.

Recent Moves on the Ground

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

Alleged Corruption in Land, Roads and Mining

Selja pointed to irregularities in highway contracts, large‑scale land transfers and mining licences, alleging that influential figures have profited at the public’s expense. She called for an independent probe 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 Migration

The youth in the hills, Selja warned, are confronting a dismal job market worsened by alleged paper‑leak scandals in recruitment exams. The outflow from villages, she added, is a direct consequence of the lack of decent work and basic amenities.

The Congress demanded a concrete employment‑generation plan, transparent hiring procedures and a concerted effort to stem migration.

Probes into Religious and Welfare Funds

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

Similarly, 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 through sacrifice; its land, forests and people deserve protection,” Selja asserted, accusing the state government of neglecting these duties while allowing corruption and job loss to fester.

Protest Calendar Ahead

  • October 22–25, 2026: Justice marches across the state, coupled with constituency‑level dialogues on the Bhandari case and other public grievances.
  • October 27, 2026: A coordinated gherao of the Uttarakhand Assembly in Gairsain, targeting the alleged VIP link to the murder, corruption, unemployment and migration issues.
  • November 1, 2026: Uttarakhand Congress workers will join a massive rally in Delhi demanding a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and safeguarding voter rights.
  • November 4, 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 October 27 assembly gherao will be a pivotal moment in the fight against the current government.