NEW DELHI: In Uttarakhand, the outrage among the hill community over cabinet minister Premchand Aggarwal remarks in the assembly continues to grow, with some BJP MLAs and netas openly condemning Aggarwal’s remarks.
The latest to do so was Garhwal MP Anil Baluni who, speaking at Kotdwar in Pauri Garhwal district Friday, described Aggarwal’s comment on hill communities as “inappropriate” and “not only painful, but also unfortunate”.
In his interaction with the media, Baluni said that as the party’s chief spokesperson, he has limitations on what he can say publicly. Hinting at internal discussions, he revealed that he has already expressed his dissatisfaction within the party forum.
He emphasised that he has a proper platform to address these issues and that he has fulfilled his duties and responsibilities toward the hill community within the party framework.
Baluni holds a significant position in national politics of BJP and his statement makes it likely that major political upheavals could be expected in Uttarakhand in coming days.
Aggarwal faced significant backlash following remarks made during a legislative assembly session.
He suggested that Uttarakhand was not established exclusively for ‘Pahadis’ (hill people), a statement perceived by many as derogatory towards the hill communities.
Aggarwal expressed regret, stating that his words had been misconstrued and that he had no intention of offending any community.