Political Heat Rises at Uttarayani Fair: BJP, Congress Clash Over Development, Justice

• The Uttarayani Fair in Bageshwar became a political battleground, with BJP, Congress, UKD, and Bageshwar Sangharsh Vahini setting up pavilions.
• BJP leaders, including Union Minister Ajay Tamta, highlighted development under PM Modi and attacked Congress, linking the fair to the Kuli Begar movement.
• Congress leaders Ganesh Godiyal and Harish Rawat accused the government of protecting culprits in the Ankita Bhandari murder case and the Kashipur farmer suicide case.
• Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD) and CPML criticized national parties and the government, vowing to continue their struggle for justice in the Ankita Bhandari case.
• The political fervor at the fair is significant given the upcoming assembly elections in 2027, making politics an integral part of the cultural event.

Why It Matters: The Uttarayani Fair transformed into a political arena, with parties exchanging sharp accusations ahead of 2027 elections.