Dehradun: The Indian National Congress has intensified its campaign against the BJP‑led Uttarakhand administration, promising to keep the spotlight on a string of grievances ranging from the Ankita Bhandari murder case to suspected land‑deal irregularities, dwindling employment opportunities and mass migration.

Demanding Justice for Ankita Bhandari and Addressing the VIP Angle

Uttarakhand AICC in‑charge, MP Kumari Selja, told reporters that the Bhandari homicide is emblematic of a deeper crisis affecting women’s safety and political accountability. She asserted that the family’s calls for an open investigation into the alleged involvement of a senior VIP have been brushed aside, and that the recent appointment of BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam as Sikkim Governor has only heightened public anger.

The Congress reiterated its solidarity 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 seeking intervention.

Recent Mobilisations

Under the direction of state president Ganesh Godiyal, party workers have undertaken a hunger strike near Mahatma Gandhi’s statue, organised candle‑light vigils, submitted memoranda and held a motorcycle rally on 16 October. These actions will persist until the bereaved family receives satisfactory answers.

Allegations of Corruption in Land, Roads and Mining

Selja pointed to irregularities in road‑work contracts, large‑scale land transfers and mining licences, alleging that influential individuals have profited at the public’s 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

The party warned that young people in the hills are confronting a grim job market, worsened by alleged paper‑leak scandals in recruitment exams. The resulting exodus from villages, Selja said, is a direct outcome of the lack of decent work and basic amenities.

Congress demands a concrete employment‑generation plan, transparent recruitment procedures and a concerted effort to stem migration.

Calls for Audits of Religious and Welfare Funds

The Congress 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 declared, accusing the state government of neglect while allowing corruption and job loss to fester.

Protest Calendar Ahead

  • 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, aimed at 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 the protection of voter rights.
  • 4 November 2026: Demonstrations at district and state headquarters to spotlight 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, all underscoring that the 27 October assembly gherao will be a decisive moment in the fight against the incumbent government.