Uttarakhand minister's remarks over 'Pahadi' vs 'Desi' inappropriate: Ex-CM Trivendra Rawat

Dehradun, Feb 26: Haridwar BJP MP and former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has voiced his disapproval of recent remarks made by state minister Prem Chand Agarwal in the Uttarakhand Assembly. Rawat stated that Agarwal’s words cannot be justified and suggested that the BJP's central leadership must have taken note of the incident.

Agarwal's comments came in response to a statement by Congress MLA Madan Singh Bisht during the recently concluded Budget Session. Agarwal expressed anger and remarked that he did not fight for Uttarakhand's statehood to witness a debate on ‘Pahadi’ versus ‘Desi’ (hill versus plain), during which an inappropriate word slipped from his mouth.

In a video that has gone viral, Rawat emphasized that while this is the first such incident, the party has acknowledged it. “The Centre must have taken cognizance of it or is in the process of doing so,” he added.

Rawat expressed his reservations, “He (Agarwal) is a respected minister of my parliamentary constituency, but I do not consider his statement appropriate.” He further recalled an incident during his tenure as Chief Minister when a BJP MLA made an inappropriate remark about a woman legislator. "At that time, while I was in AIIMS Delhi battling COVID-19, I drafted a tweet condemning the statement and apologizing for it," he recalled.

Political Fallout and Apology​

Agarwal’s remarks have sparked controversy across Uttarakhand, with Congress and various organizations staging protests and burning his effigies, demanding his removal from the cabinet. Following the backlash, the minister later issued an apology.

In response to the uproar, state BJP president Mahendra Bhatt and general secretary (organization) Ajeya Kumar summoned Agarwal. They firmly advised him to maintain decorum in public life and use appropriate language.

Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan's Role​

When asked about Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan not allowing Congress MLAs to speak on the issue, Rawat refrained from commenting on criticisms that her conduct was different from that of her father, former Chief Minister Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri. He pointed out that judicial decisions, too, are sometimes overturned by successive generations.

Rawat, who served in Khanduri’s cabinet, praised his former leader's commitment to Uttarakhand’s culture. “He always emphasized that Uttarakhand is ‘Devbhoomi,’ and our actions should reflect its traditions and values,” he remarked.

The incident has highlighted internal tensions within Uttarakhand politics, with leaders across party lines weighing in on the matter. While Agarwal has apologized, the controversy continues to fuel debates on political decorum in the state.