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News Topical, Digital Desk : An old incident in Uttarakhand politics is once again in the headlines. The political temperature has risen following allegations made by former BJP MLA Kunwar Pranav Champion. Champion released a video on social media, leveling serious allegations against Congress state president Ganesh Godiyal and former minister Harak Singh Rawat. Godiyal retorted, saying that BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt could provide a better answer regarding the alleged 'dance party' being referred to
In his video, Champion claimed that Godiyal took him to a dance club in Mumbai in 2002. He also mentioned the old Jaini incident involving Harak Singh Rawat. Responding to these allegations, Godiyal said that during the 2002-03 Maharashtra Assembly elections, several BJP and Congress MLAs were on duty and all traveled to Mumbai on the same plane. At the airport, MLAs from both parties demanded a party, to which he initially offered to host a party at his home, but by mutual consent, the event was decided outside.
Objection to raising issue after 24 years
According to Godiyal, a party was held at a restaurant near his home. During the meal, Champion suggested "dancing and singing," after which, with the help of an acquaintance, arrangements were made to go to another club. Men and women were dancing there, and some MLAs even went to the dance floor. Godiyal said there was no immorality involved. He questioned why this incident was being made an issue 24 years later. He said that BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt was a witness to the event.
Harish Rawat's counterattack
Reacting to the controversy, former Chief Minister Harish Rawat called it the politics of hatred. He said that Uttarakhand is a small and sensitive state, where there should be no place for politics based on caste, religious, or regional divisions. He appealed to all parties to adopt healthy and issue-based politics.
Meanwhile, Congress leader and former minister Harak Singh Rawat also said that Champion's allegations should not be taken seriously. He said that he had observed Champion closely between 2007 and 2012, and that people in politics have different temperaments. Referring to the 2012 elections, Harak Singh said that if he had made any mistakes, the public would not have made him victorious with such a landslide.
State politics heats up with statements
This entire episode has once again brought to the fore old relationships and bitterness in state politics. While BJP and Congress leaders are blaming each other, political analysts are linking it to upcoming election strategies. For now, the rhetoric continues, and it remains to be seen what turn this controversy takes.
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