Uttarakhand is not made for Pahadi only says Premchand Aggarwal

DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN

Uttarakhand Finance Minister Premchand Aggarwal stirred a controversy in the state assembly after stating that Uttarakhand was not made only for Pahadis. His comment came while responding to an opposition query, but it quickly escalated when an MLA remarked that Aggarwal himself was from outside Uttarakhand.

Reacting sharply to the comment, Aggarwal countered by challenging the speaker to first hold a debate on the ‘Pahad vs Maidan’ issue before moving on to other matters. His statement caused a stir in the house, triggering reactions.

Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan intervened to defuse the situation, asserting that Uttarakhandis should not be divided along regional lines. “We are neither Pahadi nor Maidani, we are Uttarakhandi,” she emphasized, signaling her intent to put an end to the controversy. Despite her efforts to maintain decorum, the issue spilled over onto social media, where Aggarwal faced backlash for his remarks.

Several users criticized the finance minister for making divisive statements, arguing that such comments harm the unity of the state. Others defended Aggarwal, saying his words were taken out of context. The debate over the identity of Uttarakhand’s residents is not new, but Aggarwal’s remarks have reignited discussions on regional representation and migration in the hill state.

With the political climate heating up, it remains to be seen whether the ruling party will address the controversy or let it fade away. For now, the debate over ‘Pahad vs Maidan’ has once again taken center stage in Uttarakhand’s political discourse.