In Democracy, Statements Must Be Backed by Evidence: CM Dhami on Opposition Protests

Speaking to reporters in Haridwar, Dhami said merely making statements was not sufficient and that those making claims should be able to substantiate them with evidence and results. He also criticised what he described as protests being conducted simply for the sake of protesting.

"In a democracy, everyone has the right to express their views. But merely making statements is not enough. You need to have evidence and results to support your claims. Some people seem to have made protesting for the sake of protesting, their objective," Dhami said.

His remarks came amid ongoing protests by INDIA Bloc leaders, led by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, over their concerns regarding the Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Opposition leaders continued their protests for the third consecutive day and met for lunch in Connaught Place on Thursday. On Wednesday, the leaders had gathered for lunch at a South Indian restaurant before returning to Rajghat to continue their demonstration.

Dhami was in Haridwar on Thursday to meet representatives of the Panchayati Raj system and discuss initiatives aimed at strengthening rural development in Uttarakhand.

He said Panchayati Raj institutions have an important role in the state's development, noting that more than 70 per cent of Uttarakhand's area and population falls under the rural governance system.

"Today, all our Panchayati Raj representatives are here, and discussions are being held with them. A training programme is also being organised for them. Panchayati Raj plays an important role in the development of our state, as more than 70 per cent of our area and population comes under it. The rural sectors should have all the facilities," Dhami said.

The Chief Minister said the government was working to make villages cleaner and healthier and was implementing various schemes to improve facilities and infrastructure in rural areas.

"We are continuously working on it. Many schemes have been organised. We discussed how we can develop villages in smaller regions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Antyodaya can reach villages through Panchayati Raj, which has an important role in taking this vision to the grassroots. That is why we are working on the demands and priorities of the region," he said.

Dhami also highlighted the contribution of women to the state's development and referred to government initiatives, including homestay schemes, aimed at supporting local communities and creating livelihood opportunities in rural areas.