Congress Workers Stage Protest Against Minister Ganesh Joshi in Uttarkashi
Cabinet minister Ganesh Joshi encountered strong opposition from Congress workers during his Saturday visit to Uttarkashi. The agitators made their displeasure known in a very public manner.
Convoy Halted Near Gangori Valley Bridge
Protesters stopped the minister's convoy near the Gangori Valley Bridge. They raised loud slogans and displayed black flags as a sign of protest. The workers accused Joshi of serious neglect towards the district.
Their primary grievance centered on two main issues. First, they claimed the minister had ignored Uttarkashi following the devastating Dharali disaster. Second, they said he had failed to inspect a critical 200-metre stretch of the damaged Sangamchatti–Agoda road despite repeated demands.
Organized Protest Led by Congress Leaders
The demonstration was not a spontaneous event. Congress former district president Manish Rana and former zila panchayat member Kamal Singh Rawat led the organized protest. They gathered on the road connecting Gangori to Sangamchatti.
Party youth wing members joined them in substantial numbers. The workers expressed frustration that the minister had not visited the area after what they called a major disaster. They questioned his current visit, suggesting he was merely attending a fair rather than addressing serious concerns.
Protest During Government Outreach Campaign
The protest erupted as Minister Joshi was returning from a government outreach program. He had just attended the 'Jan-Jan ki Sarkar, Jan-Jan ke Dwar' campaign at Gangori Government Inter College.
Police forces were already deployed in the area, anticipating possible demonstrations. They managed to clear the protest site after approximately fifteen minutes. This allowed the minister's convoy to continue its journey.
Minister Proceeds with Scheduled Program
Despite the interruption, Ganesh Joshi continued with his planned itinerary. He later participated as the chief guest in the Magh Mela program held at Ramlila Ground.
During his address at the fair, the minister spoke about cultural preservation. He emphasized that traditional fairs like the Magh Mela help preserve our cultural heritage. Joshi stated that the state government is continuously working to protect and promote folk culture, traditions, and religious events across Uttarakhand.
The incident highlights ongoing political tensions in the region, particularly regarding disaster response and infrastructure concerns following the Dharali tragedy.
