BJP urges caution after Uttarakhand Minister's remarks rock the hills

Uttarakhand State Minister Prem Chand Agarwal sparked controversy with remarks about 'Pahadi' (hill people) during the assembly session on February 21.

The Assembly Speaker, Ritu Khanduri, intervened, asking members to refrain from making such comments. However, the opposition Congress raised a huge uproar, leading to protests across the state.

Agarwal was summoned by the state BJP president Mahendra Bhatt, who advised him to be more restrained in his public statements.


Agarwal, holding key portfolios such as finance, urban development, and parliamentary affairs, later apologised in the assembly, but the issue continued to generate controversy.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also intervened to quell the situation, calling for unity and stating that everyone residing in the state is a "Uttarakhandi" and should work together for the state's development.

However, the issue still lingers, with Congress and other organisations demanding Agarwal's resignation.

BJP national general secretary Dushyant Gautam is said to have taken note of the situation and advised the party's leaders in Uttarakhand to think carefully before speaking.