
Dehradun, May 1: Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Harish Rawat, commented on various political and social issues on Friday, addressing both central and state politics.
In a conversation, Rawat expressed his views on the facilities for Char Dham pilgrims, freedom of expression, and questions related to Punjab’s politics. He highlighted the Char Dham pilgrimage as a symbol of Uttarakhand’s identity and pride, stating, “Every year, millions of devotees from across the country and abroad visit here, and their experience should be positive. It is the responsibility of the government and administration to provide better facilities for pilgrims, ensuring their journey is smooth, safe, and enjoyable.”
He also expressed concern over recent incidents, noting, “Some slogans and the atmosphere during the pilgrimage indicate that there are shortcomings in the arrangements that need to be addressed.”
Welcoming the Supreme Court’s decision to grant anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera, Rawat stated, “This decision is a significant step in protecting freedom of expression, which is fundamental to democracy. If someone believes the charges against them are baseless, they have legal options available, such as filing a civil suit or a defamation case. It is crucial to maintain trust in the judicial process within a democratic system.”
Commenting on Punjab’s politics, Rawat indirectly criticized the Aam Aadmi Party and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He supported the demand raised by Punjab’s Leader of Opposition, Pratap Singh Bajwa, regarding drug testing, saying, “Bajwa is an experienced and serious leader. If he has made such a demand, it should be taken seriously, and an investigation based on facts should be conducted.”
Rawat emphasized, “Transparency and accountability in public life are essential, especially when it involves elected representatives.” He also indicated that such issues should be resolved institutionally rather than being limited to political rhetoric.




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