Uttarakhand Bandh "Complete Failure": Public and Traders Reject Congress Call Over Ankita Bhandari Case
A Call for Justice or Political Stunt?
Dehradun – A statewide bandh called by the Congress party on Sunday to protest the handling of the Ankita Bhandari murder case has been termed a "complete failure" by observers and local trade bodies. While the opposition demanded a CBI investigation supervised by a sitting Supreme Court or High Court judge, the ground reality in Uttarakhand painted a picture of indifference and resistance to the shutdown.
Despite Congress framing the bandh as a "voice for justice," daily life remained largely unaffected across major districts, raising questions about the timing and relevance of the protest given recent government actions.
Ground Report: Business as Usual
Contrary to claims of a successful shutdown, markets in key cities including Dehradun, Haldwani, Haridwar, Almora, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli remained open.
- Public Sentiment: The general public continued with their daily routines, showing little support for the disruption.
- Traders' Stance: Trade organizations voiced strong opposition to the bandh. Their collective stance was rooted in the fact that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had already recommended a CBI investigation following the request of the victim's parents.
- The Argument: "If the investigation process has started, it is wrong to engage in pressure politics on the streets," stated a representative of a local trade association.
Clashes and Forced Closures
While the voluntary response was lukewarm, reports surfaced of tension in several areas where political workers attempted to enforce the shutdown.
- Forcible Action: Eyewitnesses reported Congress workers forcibly trying to shutter shops.
- Resistance: Shopkeepers openly protested these tactics. A common sentiment echoed in the markets was, "If it's about justice, question the government; don't harass the public."
- Altercations: In some pockets, the situation escalated into verbal spats and minor clashes between bandh supporters and business owners who refused to comply.
Context: The Ankita Bhandari Case
The protest stems from the tragic 2022 murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari, a receptionist at the Vanantra Resort in the Pauri district. The case sparked massive outrage across the state and the nation. However, the current disconnect between the political agitation and public participation suggests that the citizenry is looking for legal outcomes rather than street protests at this stage.
Analysis: A Misfired Strategy?
The failure of the bandh highlights a discrepancy between Congress's political strategy and the public's current mood. With the state government acceding to the demand for a CBI probe recommendation, the justification for a disruptive bandh appeared thin to the electorate.
Critics and traders alike have questioned whether the move was a genuine fight for justice or an attempt to exploit emotional sentiments for political leverage. Instead of a statewide mass movement, the event remained limited to a political demonstration by party cadres.
Our Thoughts
Justice for Ankita Bhandari is a demand that unites Uttarakhand, but the method of seeking it matters. The rejection of Sunday's bandh by the public sends a clear message: citizens prefer due process over disruption. At The Trending People, we believe that when the administration takes steps toward a probe, political pressure should be constructive, ensuring the investigation remains transparent, rather than bringing the economy to a halt.