NEW DELHI: Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in an interview with TOI firmly defended a series of controversial legislative measures implemented by his government, including the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), anti-conversion laws, and legislation targeting what he refers to as ‘land jihad’ and ‘love jihad’. Speaking in a wide-ranging interview, Dhami dismissed criticism that his state is turning into a “Hindutva laboratory”, insisting that the actions taken are rooted in the democratic mandate given to him by the people.
“Some people say Uttarakhand is becoming a laboratory of Hindutva. I say the people have given us a mandate. We promised UCC and we delivered. The UCC is part of Article 44 of the Constitution,” Dhami said.
The chief minister reiterated that the measures introduced by his government are not arbitrary but the fulfilment of clear promises made during the election campaign. “We went to the people with these commitments—UCC, anti-riot, anti-conversion, action on land jihad and love jihad—and they supported us. We are implementing laws that align with the sentiments and expectations of the people,” he said.
“If someone says this is a Hindutva lab, we accept it. We are doing what the people asked us to do. We brought laws against riots, conversions, land jihad, and love jihad,” Dhami added.
On Kedarnath, pilgrimage conduct, and viral controversies
Responding to recent social media controversies about pilgrims allegedly misbehaving or disrespecting the sanctity of Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines—especially with the surge in reels and viral content—Dhami said the state has moved to regulate such behaviour.
“We’ve made provisions to restrict unnecessary reels and photos near sacred sites,” he said. “27 lakh pilgrims have already visited in just 1.5 months. Our ancestors laid down certain norms for this holy yatra, and we are only adding new elements like plastic-free travel.”
The state has introduced guidelines around conduct near temple premises, including designated areas for photography and increased awareness around maintaining the spiritual and environmental sanctity of the Char Dham route. "People across the world want the original character of Devbhoomi to be preserved. We are doing this within the framework of law and order," Dhami stated.
Strong words on terrorism, national security
In reference to the recent terrorist attack on Hindu pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, Dhami condemned the incident in the strongest terms and praised the swift response by Indian armed forces under the Modi government.
“It was a cowardly attack. But unlike earlier governments, our response was swift. India, under PM Modi, retaliated with full force and gave a clear message,” he said. “Whoever dares to touch the sindoor of our women will be crushed.”
He further added that in earlier eras, such attacks were met with condemnation but no concrete retaliation. That has changed, Dhami said, noting the repeal of the Sindhu Water Treaty, the destruction of over 100 terrorists, and targeted airstrikes that followed.
“The world saw the strength of India—our defence systems intercepted drones and missiles, our forces struck at the heart of terrorist camps. Today, India's indigenous weapons and our commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat are setting new standards.”
Vision for a developed Uttarakhand
Looking to the future, Dhami outlined his government’s 10-year vision to transform Uttarakhand into a developed, self-reliant state. He said every department has been tasked with drawing up a decade-long plan, and that the state is on track to meet key economic milestones.
“We were aiming to double our GSDP. I’m happy to say we’ve already reached 1.5 times growth, and we still have about 20 months left to hit our full target,” Dhami said.
He also highlighted the growing involvement of the global Uttarakhand diaspora in the state’s development journey, saying many are now reconnecting with their roots and investing in their ancestral regions.
“Our goal is clear: we want our youth to not just look for jobs but to become job providers. And with better governance, policies and connectivity, they are now returning to their villages.”
'The third decade belongs to Uttarakhand'
Dhami closed his remarks by recalling a statement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a visit to Kedarnath in 2021.
“When the Prime Minister said the third decade of the 21st century would be Uttarakhand’s decade, he wasn’t making an ordinary statement. He meant every word—and we are working to make that vision a reality.”
Calling upon citizens across India and the world to support Uttarakhand’s development, Dhami said, “Together, we will make this state a model for the entire country. That is our dream and our determination.”