Why does the BJP machinery believe that by amplifying the Jenny controversy, people will forget the dozens of unfulfilled promises made by the double-engine government over the past ten years?
The political atmosphere being created around the Jenny controversy in Uttarakhand has raised several serious questions. Following Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s recent remarks on the issue, the public backlash and expressions of anger have made one thing clear: people are not willing to view this matter merely through the narrow lens of political allegations and counter-allegations.
The most important question is why the Jenny controversy is suddenly being given such prominence as elections approach. Is the real objective to ensure justice and bring the facts to light, or is there an attempt to manufacture a new political narrative in Uttarakhand with an eye on the forthcoming elections?
The political timing of the renewed targeting of former Cabinet Minister and senior Congress leader Harak Singh Rawat also raises serious questions. If there are allegations against anyone in this matter, they must be investigated impartially. Harak Singh Rawat himself served as a BJP Cabinet Minister for several years. What prevented the law from taking its course then?
Reviving the matter after so many years, just ahead of the elections, certainly gives the impression of a desperate and politically motivated act of vendetta. If Jenny has suffered injustice, she should get suitable justice. The law will take its own course. Experts belive that she has the strong option to approach the same court where the case was closed several years ago. following a settlement and seek its reopening. If the Dhami government’s pressure or directions lead the police to assume the role of a Judge after so many years, the consequences of such an action could be serious when the government changes.
The government must understand that maintaining a clear distinction between a lawful investigation and a political campaign is essential in a democracy. Otherwise, the credibility of the state government will come under even greater scrutiny, and any questionable action could trigger an even stronger public reaction.
The government must remember that the Ankita Bhandari murder case continues to raise deeply troubling questions in the minds of the people of Uttarakhand. The questions surrounding the alleged involvement of a VIP in this horrific crime have still not received satisfactory answers. Ankita’s family continues to fight for justice, having spent the last four years running from pillar to post in Delhi and Uttarakhand.
Public anxiety over a CBI investigation, the identification of the alleged VIP and transparency in the entire case has only intensified. Why was there such haste in appointing Dushyant Gautam, whose alleged role has been the subject of public questions, as Governor of Sikkim? Why is the Dhami government reluctant to seek a Supreme Court-monitored CBI investigation into the Ankita case? What purpose does a CBI investigation serve if it is not conducted under the supervision of the Supreme Court?
Under these circumstances, is it reasonable to expect the people of Uttarakhand to remain silent and retreat into their homes even after the life of their daughter, Ankita, was brutally taken away? Why was a 19-year-old girl denied her fundamental right to live?
When the convicted murderers themselves were demanding narco-analysis tests, why did the state government oppose the demand before the High Court? Why was an old family dispute case suddenly dug up on October 25, just a day before Urmila Sanawar’s scheduled narco test, leading to her arrest?
What was the justification for registering an FIR in the name of a person whose identity and credibility were questionable, instead of acting on the complaint submitted by Ankita’s parents seeking a CBI investigation? Why is securing justice for Ankita’s helpless mother not the government’s foremost priority?
Is the Jenny controversy being pushed to the centre of political discourse in an attempt to dilute the intensity of the unanswered questions surrounding the Ankita Bhandari murder case?
The manner in which a section of the media sympathetic to the ruling establishment has continuously amplified the Jenny controversy raises serious questions about its credibility. With a few exceptions, most of these media voices have rarely been seen questioning those in power about the unanswered questions in the Ankita case. The role of mainstream media in covering the Ankita Bhandari murder case itself deserves serious public debate.
The people of Uttarakhand want neither political vendetta in any case nor a political cover-up of any crime. They want impartial investigations, transparency and accountability. Using the Jenny controversy to push the Ankita Bhandari murder case into the background raises disturbing questions about the government’s intentions.
The Jenny controversy must be investigated. If there are allegations against Harak Singh Rawat, they too must be examined impartially. But none of this can justify pushing the unanswered questions surrounding Ankita Bhandari’s murder to the sidelines.
Elections will come and go, but the responsibility to secure justice for Ankita cannot be dictated by an electoral calendar.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami must make it clear whether his government’s priority is to manufacture political narratives or to deliver justice to Uttarakhand’s daughter, Ankita. So far, the government’s actions have failed to demonstrate a convincing commitment to justice. That is precisely why Amit Shah faced such strong opposition in Uttarakhand—an intensity of public anger that the BJP had apparently not anticipated.
Uttarakhand wants answers.When will Ankita finally get justice? And when will the truth about the alleged VIP involvement come out.
Umakant Lakhera is a Senior Journalist and Political Commentator
