Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has criticised Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav over his remarks describing Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as an “intruder” and suggesting that he should return to Uttarakhand. Dhami said referring to the people of Uttarakhand as intruders would insult the state’s self-respect, struggle and sacrifices. He also recalled the firing on activists during the Uttarakhand statehood movement at Rampur Tiraha in Muzaffarnagar, questioning how Yadav could make such remarks despite the historical background of the movement.

Dhami Says Remark Insults Uttarakhand’s Identity
Dhami described Uttarakhand as both Devbhoomi (land of the gods) and Veerbhoomi (land of the brave). He said the state has given the country saints, soldiers and individuals dedicated to national service. According to the chief minister, describing people from Uttarakhand as intruders disrespects their dignity and the sacrifices made during the movement for a separate state.

He added that the people of Uttarakhand have not forgotten the struggle that led to the creation of their state and the sacrifices made during that period.

Rampur Tiraha Firing Recalled
The chief minister referred to the Rampur Tiraha incident in Muzaffarnagar during the Uttarakhand statehood movement. He pointed out that Mulayam Singh Yadav was the Uttar Pradesh chief minister when activists demanding a separate Uttarakhand were fired upon at the site in 1994.

Dhami invoked the incident while questioning Akhilesh Yadav’s comments, arguing that the history of the statehood movement should be kept in mind when making remarks about Uttarakhand and its people.

What Did Akhilesh Yadav Say?
Akhilesh Yadav made the remarks while speaking to reporters at Lohia Park in Lucknow on the death anniversary of socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia. During the interaction, he referred to Yogi Adityanath as an “intruder” and suggested that he should return to Uttarakhand. Yadav also questioned figures presented by the BJP and referred to Adityanath’s Uttarakhand origins and ideological position.

His comments triggered a political response in Uttarakhand, with Dhami raising objections to the language used and its implications for the state’s identity.

Dhami Seeks Congress’s Response
Dhami also questioned the Congress, asking whether it supported the remarks made by its political ally, Akhilesh Yadav. He said the party should clarify its position to the people of Uttarakhand.

The controversy has emerged amid a wider political debate over infiltration, identity and vote-bank politics, following comments by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on these issues. Statements by the leaders have since drawn attention to the political differences between the parties and their positions on the subject.