Mussoorie, 8 January: As the local elections draw closer, Congress party leaders in Uttarakhand have ramped up their electioneering efforts, with a vigorous door-to-door outreach campaign in Mussoorie’s various wards. The state Congress president Karan Mahra, along with several senior leaders, joined forces with Congress candidates to rally support for the party’s mayoral and councilor hopefuls. The Congress team visited multiple wards, held public meetings, and urged residents to back the party in the upcoming election.
Addressing the crowd, Mahra invoked the legacy of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, emphasizing her vision of affordable housing for the underprivileged. He pointed out the contrast between Gandhi’s inclusive approach and the current BJP-led government’s actions, which he claims are displacing poor communities from their homes. "While the BJP is focused on demolishing these settlements, we, with the support of Mayor candidate Virendra Pokhriyal, stand with you in protecting your homes and your right to live with dignity," Mahra said.
Virendra Pokhriyal, the Congress candidate for mayor, also spoke passionately about the need for environmental preservation. He pledged to plant 2.5 lakh trees to restore Dehradun's green cover, which he claims has been destroyed under the BJP’s 15-year rule. "Dehradun used to be known for its clean air and lush greenery, but the city has turned into a concrete jungle. The people who once came here for fresh air and peace are now suffocated by pollution," Pokhriyal said. His campaign promises also include the development of public parks and libraries for children and students, along with better utilization of vacant municipal land for the benefit of residents.
Congress leaders interacted with local residents, listening to their grievances and acknowledging the widespread dissatisfaction with the current government’s lack of progress. The residents expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises, with many feeling deceived by the government’s failure to bring about tangible development.
Amidst the growing chorus of support for Congress candidates, the party issued an appeal to the public, urging them to vote for Pokhriyal and all Congress councilor candidates across Mussoorie. “With your support, we will not only win the election, but also begin the work of restoring Dehradun to its former glory, and provide relief to the long-suffering public,” Mahra and Pokhriyal said in their joint statement.
The Congress team wrapped up their visit with a rallying cry, though the use of the slogan “Jay Congress” has been met with mixed reactions. Some locals have noted that while the phrase is intended to boost morale, it often falls flat in its execution. “The chant just doesn’t seem as impactful as it once did,” said a local resident, reflecting on the phrase’s diminishing significance. Despite the enthusiasm from the Congress leaders, there remains a degree of skepticism among the public about the effectiveness of these election promises, and whether they will translate into real change once the elections are over.
As the election battle heats up, both Congress and BJP are set to leave no stone unturned in their quest for victory, with voters now keenly awaiting the outcome of this high-stakes election.
This article is based on a press release issued by the Indian National Congress. While GNN has adapted the content for journalistic clarity and neutrality, the information and views presented originate from the press release. For More info, CLICK HERE.
