Closure of helicopter service to Dharchula an act of treachery: BJP

DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand's BJP unit today said the sudden closure of helicopter service to Dharchula which was launched just before the July bypoll was an act of treachery with people of the area.

"Chopper service to Dharchula which began ahead of the bypoll has turned out to be an election stunt. Soon after the bypoll, its fare was hiked and now the service itself has been closed much to the disappointment of people of the area who feel cheated," Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Ajay Bhatt said.

Chief Minister Harish Rawat won from Dharchula in a bypoll held to the seat in July this year to secure his entry into the state Assembly.

Criticising the state government for the continuing strike by ministerial employees in support of a three-point charter of demands including revision of promotional norms, he said it has not held talks with them despite the fact that they are on strike for the past 20 days.

Accusing the state government of being "callous" in its approach, he said it should immediately hold talks with the striking ministerial employees and put an end to their stir by conceding to their demands.