Dehradun: The Indian National Congress has intensified its campaign against the BJP‑led Uttarakhand administration, promising to keep the pressure on a string of issues ranging from the Ankita Bhandari murder case to purported land‑deal irregularities, chronic joblessness and rural out‑migration.

Justice for Ankita Bhandari and the VIP Angle

Congress’ Uttarakhand in‑charge, MP Kumari Selja, told reporters that the Bhandari killing is not an isolated incident; it mirrors a deeper crisis of women’s security and political accountability. She argued that the family’s demand for an open‑handed investigation into the alleged involvement of a senior VIP has been brushed aside, and that the recent appointment of BJP stalwart Dushyant Kumar Gautam as Governor of Sikkim has further inflamed public anger.

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

Recent Ground‑Level Actions

Under the leadership of state president Ganesh Godiyal, Congress cadres have undertaken a hunger strike at Mahatma Gandhi’s statue, organised candle‑light vigils, filed memoranda and staged a motorcycle rally on 16 October. The movement will persist until the bereaved 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 taxpayers’ expense. She called for an impartial 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 Exodus

According to Selja, the youth of the hill districts are confronting a grim employment scenario, worsened by alleged paper‑leak scandals in recruitment examinations. The steady outflow from villages, she said, is a direct consequence of the lack of decent jobs and basic amenities.

The Congress demands a concrete job‑creation roadmap, transparent recruitment mechanisms and a coordinated effort to curb migration.

Calls for Audits of Religious and Welfare Funds

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

In addition, the Women and Child Development department, headed by Rekha Arya, was accused of financial irregularities in ration distribution, mid‑day meals and the National Games budget. Selja challenged 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.

Upcoming 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 an 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 vows swift, unbiased investigations into all corruption allegations, transparent budgeting, overhauled recruitment processes, an aggressive job‑creation agenda, policies to stem 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, all underscoring that the 27 October assembly gherao will be a decisive moment in the struggle against the incumbent government.