Uttarakhand Dance Bar Controversy Ignites Political Firestorm Ahead of Elections
With less than a year remaining until the Uttarakhand assembly election, a resurfaced "dance bar" row has triggered a sharp and heated political exchange between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Opposition Congress. The controversy escalated rapidly after a purported video surfaced featuring former Khanpur MLA Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion, showing him and his supporters watching a woman perform at an event.
Allegations and Counter-Allegations Fly Between Parties
In response to the video, Champion released a counter-statement video claiming that back in 2003-04, then MLA and current Congress state chief Ganesh Godiyal organized a party at a Mumbai dance bar for MLAs who had traveled for campaigning purposes. Champion, who initially won as an Independent in 2002 before joining the Congress and later switching to the BJP in 2016 alongside nine other MLAs, made these allegations to deflect attention from the recent video.
Godiyal swiftly countered these claims, stating that the event was organized at the request of both BJP and Congress MLAs. He further alleged that present BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt attended the gathering. According to Godiyal, the party initially took place in a reputable hotel, but "some MLAs, including Champion, were in favour of dance and party". He explained that on the advice of a friend, they subsequently moved to a dance club.
Political Leaders Weigh In as Tensions Mount
Bhatt firmly rejected the charge, asserting that the people of Uttarakhand know him well and accusing the Congress of spreading misinformation. As the controversy gained momentum, former Chief Minister Harish Rawat entered the fray, urging for a more constructive political discourse. He said, "Based on age-related political experience, I want to caution everyone to adopt healthy, diligence-based competitive politics instead of divisive politics."
This dance bar row has quickly become a focal point in Uttarakhand's political landscape, highlighting the intense rivalry between the BJP and Congress as election preparations intensify. The exchange of allegations underscores the high stakes involved, with both parties leveraging past events to gain electoral advantage.
The controversy not only revisits old incidents but also raises questions about political ethics and campaign strategies in the lead-up to the state polls. Observers note that such disputes could influence public perception and voter sentiment, making this a critical issue in the upcoming electoral battle.
