Amit Shah in Haridwar amid Uttarakhand crisis

DEHRADUN: Attending ‘Sadbhavna Sammelan’ organised by senior party leader Satpal Maharaj to mark 125th birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar in Haridwar on Thursday, BJP president Amit Shah highlighted the recent works undertaken by the Centre and BJP-ruled states towards development of memorials associated with Ambedkar.

Referring to London as Babasaheb’s ‘Shiksha bhoomi’, Shah spoke of the efforts made by the Centre and Maharashtra government to develop a memorial there.

Shah’ presence in Hardiwar now is seen as politically significant in view of the Assembly polls in Uttarakhand and UP. “It’s good that our party president is trying to send out a positive message to SC voters from Haridwar,” a BJP leader said. The religious town has good population of SCs.

Although, it was Shah’ first visit to Uttarakhand after the imposition of President’ Rule, he did not mention anything about the political crisis in the state. His presence is also a reflection of Maharaj’ political importance in current situation. The Congress MLAs, who are considered close to Maharaj, have still not defected to BJP.