Cong asks 10 questions to PM ahead of state visit

DEHRADUN: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Uttarakhand for the inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun expressway on Tuesday, opposition Congress raised 10 questions directed towards the PM, demanding accountability on key issues in the state.Addressing a press conference in Dehradun on Monday, state Congress chief Ganesh Godiyal said “a total of 889 schools have been shut during the BJP’s tenure and the PM should respond on the issue”. He also flagged concerns over law and order, citing the Rishikesh resort murder case, in which questions are continuously being raised against senior BJP leaders. “Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had assured a CBI investigation months ago but despite this, the status of the investigation remains unclear,” said Godiyal.He also highlighted concerns over increasing human-wildlife conflict in the state, particularly in the rural hill areas where poor villagers are continuously under the threat of wild animals. He said the PM should clarify on concrete steps being taken by state govt in the matter.He also raised questions on issues including employment generation and measures against drug supply. Godiyal also targeted the govt over recruitment scams and paper leak incidents. He highlighted the delay in regularisation of UPNL employees and increase in the number of liquor shops in hill areas.Regarding law and order, he said, “NCRB data indicates that Uttarakhand has become the leading Himalayan state in crimes against women. Women, children, journalists, ex-servicemen — no one is safe in the state. Murders and crimes are happening in broad daylight and serious allegations are also being leveled against members of the ruling party.”