Uttarakhand Congress Ignites 'Nyay Yatra' to Shake BJP Govt
Congress begins a state-wide Nyay Yatra in Uttarakhand to protest unemployment, corruption, and women's safety. BJP responds with counter-marches.
The political atmosphere in Uttarakhand has reached a boiling point as the state unit of the Indian National Congress officially launched its massive Uttarakhand Congress Nyay Yatra on October 22, 2026. Framed as a "battle against injustice," this state-wide campaign is designed to challenge the ruling BJP government by bringing grassroots grievances directly to the forefront of public discourse.
A Crusade Against Injustice
The Congress party has articulated a wide array of grievances driving this march. The Nyay Yatra aims to shine a spotlight on critical failures of the current administration, ranging from the high-profile Ankita Bhandari murder case and the deteriorating state of women's safety to the crushing weight of inflation and rampant unemployment. Additionally, the party is raising its voice against systemic corruption and various recruitment scams that have allegedly plagued the state.
Strategic Marches Across Kumaon and Garhwal
The campaign is being executed through a multi-pronged approach, with simultaneous marches cutting through the heart of the Kumaon and Garhwal regions.
The Kumaon Offensive
The Kumaon leg of the journey began with spiritual solemnity at the Golu Devta Temple in Chitai, Almora. This segment is being spearheaded by a powerhouse of party leadership, including:
- Yashpal Arya (Leader of Opposition)
- Harish Rawat (Former Chief Minister)
- Prakash Joshi (West Bengal in-charge)
- Karan Mahara (Former State President)
- Bhuwan Kapri (Deputy Leader of Opposition)
- Tilak Raj Behad (MLA)
The route is meticulously planned to cover Ranikhet, Khairna, Bhowali, and Bhimtal, eventually converging in Haldwani. From there, the march will extend to Lal Kuan, Kichha, Sitarganj, Nanumatta, Khatima, Rudrapur, Bazpur, Kashipur, and Jaspur. This leg is expected to culminate in a high-stakes press conference in Haldwani on October 25.
The Garhwal and Dehradun Fronts
While Kumaon was mobilizing, the Garhwal division saw its march initiate at the sacred Badrinath Dham, led by state president Ganesh Godiyal and MLA Lakhpat Singh Butola. Meanwhile, in the capital city of Dehradun, MLA Pritam Singh led a march that commenced after prayers at the Tapkeshwar Temple, joined by Harish Rawat and a surge of senior party workers.
The Haridwar Movement
In Haridwar, the campaign is being steered by Dr. Harak Singh Rawat, the president of the election management committee, supported by MLAs Qazi Nizamuddin, Mamta Rakesh, and Furkan Ahmed.
The Grand Finale: Siege of Gairsain
The Congress party isn't stopping at street marches. The entire movement is building toward a dramatic conclusion on October 27, where the party plans to organize a siege of the Gairsain Legislative Assembly, signaling a direct confrontation with the seat of power.
BJP Strikes Back: The 'Pol Khol' Counter-Attack
The ruling BJP has not remained a silent spectator. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has dismissed the Nyay Yatra as a calculated political maneuver designed to gain traction ahead of the upcoming election year.
In a bold retaliatory move, the BJP has announced its own counter-campaign. From October 22 to November 5, the ruling party will conduct 'pol khol' (expose) foot marches across the state, aiming to reveal the failures of the opposition and counter the Congress narrative point by point.