Why Haridwar outfits want non-Hindus off Har ki Pauri
A video shoot, featuring ‘Arab sheikhs’, around Har ki Pauri stoked old religious undercurrents and prompted CM Pushkar Dhami to take up the issue
Pushkar Singh Dhami is an Indian politician presently serving as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. He is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Dhami holds the student constituency in politics Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly.
Born on September 16, 1975, in the district, Uttarakhand, a first from a decent background, and has steadily risen through the ranks of the youth wing. Dhami has an early degree and has been steadily actively involved in Pithoragarh from a law age, beginning his political career with the Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the Khatima wing of Uttarakhand, student Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
He served as Chief Advisor to his Minister in Singh Koshyari and played a key role in Uttarakhand's youth outreach programs. When he was selected as Chief Minister, Bhagat Uttarakhand's Dhami was selected state's person to retain the state in 2021, making history.
He was later selected to bring stability to state leadership ahead of the election. His leadership is marked by efforts to modernize Uttarakhand while preserving its ethnicity and heritage, peculiarly in key regions like Kedarnath and Badrinath. Known for his hot image and youth centric policies, Dhami was focused on infrastructure development, investment promotion, and administrative governance.
His leadership is marked by efforts to modernize Uttarakhand while preserving its ethnic and Badrinath. heritage, especially in key regions like Kedarnath.
A video shoot, featuring ‘Arab sheikhs’, around Har ki Pauri stoked old religious undercurrents and prompted CM Pushkar Dhami to take up the issue
VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi has urged the Uttarakhand government to impose strict restrictions on non-Hindus entering the Ganga ghats in Haridwar ahead of the 2027 Ardh Kumbh Mela, citing security and religious concerns.
Breaking old satrapies, the BJP’s national leadership elevated a series of surprise picks to run key states
The Uttarakhand Governor, Gurmit Singh, has sent back two key legislative bills, including amendments to the Uniform Civil Code and anti-conversion laws, citing typographical mistakes.
A murder in Uttarakhand’s Khatima has heightened tensions between two communities, prompting the authorities to enforce strict law and order measures in the area.
The Uttarakhand Governor has released two new books chronicling the life journey, values and leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The launch ceremony highlighted his childhood struggles, family influences and role in guiding the state through key challenges.
A year ahead of the 2027 polls, the Congress has reshuffled its Uttarakhand leadership, naming Ganesh Godiyal as state chief and Pritam Singh and Harak Singh Rawat to key campaign roles.
Here is this week's Glasshouse
The Uttarakhand government claims a record 23.46 crore tourists visited the state in the last three years, calling it a result of strong policy reforms. Congress, however, alleges the figures are inflated for publicity.
The hill state becomes the first in the country to abolish a madrasa board, making the state school education board and its curriculum mandatory for all minority-run institutions.
Following protests against a question paper leak that marred a competitive examination for state government jobs, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami alleges ‘nakal jihad’.
Ten days after his disappearance, the body of Rajiv Pratap was recovered from a river in Uttarkashi district on Sunday.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has weighed in on the UKSSSC exam row, dismissing it as a case of cheating rather than a paper leak. Speaking in Dehradun, he defended the state’s action plan and stressed strict punishment for culprits under the anti-copying law.
The Uttarakhand government has suspended an assistant professor and two police officers in connection with the UKSSSC paper leak case held on September 21. The action follows allegations of leaked answers being shared and negligence during duty at the exam centre.
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has promised strict action after the UKSSSC exam paper leak, assuring aspirants that no guilty person will be spared. The main accused, Khalid Malik, was arrested by police following allegations that parts of the question paper were circulated online.
Heavy rains triggered landslides and cloudbursts in Uttarakhand, killing six, leaving 11 missing and blocking the Badrinath Highway at multiple points, stranding pilgrims and locals.
A cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts triggered flash floods, collapsing houses and bridges, leaving families trapped and livestock buried.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that 1,308 people have been rescued and all injured individuals have been transferred to medical facilities.
Protests erupted in Dharali and Harshil after families affected by the Uttarkashi flood were handed Rs 5,000 'relief' cheques, with residents accusing the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led Uttarakhand government of trivialising their losses.
PM Modi's condolence message came after four people died and several were reportedly missing after a massive cloudburst triggered flash flood in Uttarkashi’s Dharali village, at approximately 1:45 pm on Tuesday.
This report focuses on the recent communication between Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami following a mob attack on Kashmiri shawl sellers in Uttarakhand. The incident occurred in the Vikas Nagar area, where a Kashmiri youth was injured and one individual was subsequently detained. During the conversation, Omar Abdullah emphasized that the 'Uttarakhand government and the centre should ensure the safety of Kashmiris' in the state. The attack reportedly involved a mob making objectionable comments against the youth. India Today's Ashraf Ghani provides details on the diplomatic outreach between the two state leaders. The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister has raised serious concerns regarding the security of Kashmiri traders operating in Uttarakhand, urging the state administration to take proactive measures to prevent such communal incidents and ensure a secure environment for all citizens.
In this Special Report, Gaurav Sawant examines India's 77th Republic Day celebrations and the nation's evolving security paradigm. The program highlights European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s statement regarding India’s role in global stability and the progress of the India-EU security and defense partnership. A central focus is placed on 'Operation Sindoor' and a Swiss military think-tank report detailing India's air superiority over Pakistan. Experts Lieutenant General K.J.S. Dhillon and Air Marshal M. Mateshwaran analyze precision strikes on strategic targets, including Sargodha and Jacobabad airbases, which reportedly called Pakistan's nuclear bluff. The discussion covers reported casualties of 400 Pakistani soldiers in the Lipa Valley and the impact of Indian political will on regional dynamics. Additional coverage includes AI-enabled surveillance displays at Kartavya Path, the historic participation of women in military contingents, an internal purge within China's PLA, and the upcoming India-EU Free Trade Agreement. The report also addresses entry restriction controversies at Badrinath-Kedarnath temples.
In this episode of India First, host Gaurav Sawant leads a heated debate on the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee's proposal to restrict non-Hindu entry to protect Vedic culture. Gaurav Sawant notes that 'Devbhumi Uttarakhand is staring at a fresh flashpoint' as faith and politics collide. Political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla argues against the move, stating that Hinduism is an inclusive way of life and that as someone from a Muslim family who worships Lord Shiva, such restrictions feel unfair. Conversely, author Shantanu Gupta supports the committee's right to set rules, citing global examples like Mecca and specific Christian monasteries where entry is restricted. The discussion explores whether these measures are necessary to maintain sanctity or if they represent a divisive agenda, especially following reports of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami backing the committee's decision-making authority.
On this Special Report, the focus is on the historic leadership transition within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Nitin Nabin is set to formally take charge as the national BJP president at 11:30 am today, succeeding JP Nadda. The ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. At 45, Nabin becomes the youngest leader to head the party, a move described as 'BJP's generational shift'. Ahead of the formal handover at the party headquarters, Nabin will offer prayers at various religious sites, including the Chandewala Temple and Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. The transcript highlights that Nabin was elected unopposed and backed by top leadership, reflecting the party's strategy of rewarding grassroots hard work. This transition marks a significant moment as the party prepares for upcoming assembly elections under new leadership.
Renewed protests have erupted across Uttarakhand, demanding justice in the Ankita Bhandari murder case. The central demand of the protestors and Ankita's parents is that the recently announced CBI inquiry 'should be done under the Supreme Court judge'. The demonstrations, which intensified after an actress named Urmila Sonawar made new revelations on social media, have led to an 'Uttarakhand bandh' with widespread support in the state's mountain districts. Protesters are alleging the involvement of high-profile 'VIPs' and claiming there has been tampering of evidence. Following the public outcry and intensifying protests on the streets of Dehradun, the government has now added Ankita's father as a complainant in the FIR, which was previously filed based on a complaint by Urmila Sonawar to investigate the alleged VIP angle.
In this special report, an unidentified reporter covers a protest at Jantar Mantar where citizens demand justice for Ankita Bhandari. The demonstrators call for a CBI probe led by a retired Supreme Court Justice and the arrest of the alleged 'VIP' involved in the case. The report highlights allegations against the Uttarakhand Police and the state government, citing a viral video of Urmila Sanwal. Protesters express dissatisfaction with the current investigation and criticize the political pressure allegedly influencing the police.
In this special investigation, India Today’s Nitin Jain exposes the rampant illegal mining operations across North India, specifically in Uttarakhand’s Udham Singh Nagar and Uttar Pradesh’s Noida. The report reveals how a company, Kailash River Bed Minerals, allegedly tasked with monitoring mining, is itself engaged in illegal extraction in the Kosi river. Despite National Green Tribunal orders, heavy machinery and overloaded trucks operate openly under the administration's nose. The investigation also highlights a confrontation where the mining mafia attempted to intimidate the reporting team. Authorities have since seized vehicles and imposed penalties, but the report questions the government's complicity.
In a shocking development in the Dehradun Angel Chakma murder case, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Singh has stated that 'it is not right to term the incident as racial violence' at this stage. The police investigation reveals the conflict began as a birthday celebration argument, leading to the arrest of five accused, including the son of a Kargil war hero. While the victim's father, Tarun Chakma, has demanded the death penalty, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed that 'five out of the six murderers have already been arrested' and assured strict action. Meanwhile, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Member Priyank Kanoongo has taken cognizance of the matter, issuing notices to the District Magistrate and SSP to ensure the safety of Northeastern students.
In this Special Report, India Today investigates the brutal murder of 24-year-old Tripura student Angel Chakma in Dehradun, which has sparked national outrage. While the victim's family alleges a racially motivated attack involving slurs like ‘chinky’, Dehradun SSP Ajay Singh denies these claims, stating the incident began as a dispute between friends and noting that ‘one of the accused is from Manipur himself’. The programme also features Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who expresses deep anguish and demands that state police forces adopt a ‘Delhi Police’ style special unit for the safety of people from the Northeast. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has assured strict action, with five accused currently arrested.
The top focus of this episode of News Today is the death of Angel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, in Dehradun following an attack on December 9.
In this Special Report, India Today's Special Investigation Team exposes the rampant illegal sand mining devastating the Kosi River in Uttarakhand's Udham Singh Nagar. Reporter Nitin Jain uncovers a disturbing nexus where the 'sand mafia' operates with unchecked impunity, allegedly facilitated by the government itself. The investigation reveals that Kailash River Bed Minerals, a company tasked with monitoring mining, is openly engaged in illegal extraction. Visuals capture overloaded trucks and tractors ravaging the riverbed in broad daylight, defying National Green Tribunal orders. When confronted, the mining mafia intimidated the reporting team, highlighting the dangerous reality of reporting on this environmental plunder. The report raises critical questions about the administration's silence and the blatant disregard for laws designed to protect India's lifelines.
In a shocking alleged hate crime, 24-year-old Tripura student Angel Chakma died in Dehradun after being brutally attacked. The incident occurred on December 9 when Angel and his brother were reportedly subjected to racial slurs, including being called 'Chinese', by intoxicated men. The transcript reveals that Angel suffered severe injuries, including spinal cord damage and brain fissures, before succumbing two weeks later. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has spoken to the victim's father, promising strict action against the culprits. The report highlights the growing outrage and demands for justice, with candlelight marches held in Agartala. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also condemned the incident, terming it a threat to India's unity. The India Today bureau report questions the societal mindset behind such recurring racial violence.
This special report examines the death of Angel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura who died following a brutal racist attack in Dehradun. The incident has ignited a national debate on hate crimes and the safety of people from Northeast India. The program features a panel discussion with Congress MP Pradyut Bardoloi, BJP National Spokesperson Sanju Varma, former IPS officer Dr. Kiran Bedi, and activist Dr. Alana Golmei, who discuss administrative accountability, preventive policing, and the need for stronger laws against racial slurs. The broadcast also details two major Supreme Court interventions. The top court stayed the bail granted by the Delhi High Court to former BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar in the 2017 Unnao rape case. In a separate matter, the Supreme Court put its own previous order defining the Aravalli Hills in abeyance, ordering the formation of a new expert committee.
The top focus of this episode of To The Point is the rising cases of hate crimes in some states. Twenty-four-year-old Angel Chakma of Nandannagar in West Tripura district was attacked by a group of six people when he objected to a racial slur at Dehradun on December 9.
This special report covers the death of Angel Chakma, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, following a racially motivated attack in Dehradun. On 'To The Point', anchor Maria Shakeel examines the December 9 assault where Angel and his brother Michael were targeted with racial slurs like 'Chinese' before Angel was fatally stabbed. The program addresses rising hate crimes with a panel including Congress MP Pradyut Bardoloi, BJP’s Sanju Verma, and former IPS officer Dr. Kiran Bedi, who suggests 'preventive policing'. Activist Dr. Alana Golmei demands the implementation of the Bezbaruah Committee recommendations to criminalize racial slurs. Angel's father, Tarun Prasad Chakma, calls for the death penalty for the attackers, while a friend recounted Angel's last words: "We are not Chinese... We are Indians." The broadcast also notes the Supreme Court's stay on an order that had suspended the life sentence of Unnao rape convict Kuldeep Singh Sengar.
In a heart-wrenching plea, Tarun Chakma, father of the late Angel Chakma, demands the death penalty for the mob that killed his son in Dehradun. Angel, a 24-year-old MBA student from Tripura, died after a brutal attack where he was allegedly racially abused. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju condemns the incident, calling for a mindset change and strict action. Activist Dr. Alana Golmei joins the discussion, drawing parallels to the 2014 Nido Tania case and demanding the implementation of the Bezbaruah Committee recommendations, including the 1093 helpline.
A special report on the brutal murder of 24-year-old Tripura student Angel Chakma in Dehradun, which has sparked outrage over alleged racism. A medical report from Graphic Era Hospital reveals Angel suffered 'deep cuts', spinal cord damage, and brain fissures after being assaulted. The transcript highlights that the attackers allegedly used slurs like 'Chinese' against Angel and his brother, Michael Chakma. While Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has assured strict action and confirmed arrests, an unidentified speaker in the footage questions the delay in justice. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has termed the incident a 'horrific hate crime', warning against the normalization of hate speech.
This special report focuses on the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) significant show of strength in Bihar ahead of the first phase of the Assembly elections. The bulletin highlights the presence of several high-profile BJP leaders, including Madhya Pradesh's Mohan Yadav, Rajasthan's Bhajanlal Sharma, and Odisha's Mohan Charan Majhi, attending the nomination filings of party candidates. According to reporter Rohit Singh, 'BJP is a... turning this entire nomination process into a show of strength also.' The report delves into the party's strategy of deploying its top leaders from across the country to create momentum for the polls scheduled in November 2025. It covers the nominations of key Bihar leaders like Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary from the Tarapur constituency and Vijay Kumar Sinha from Lakhisarai, framing the event as a massive power play by the BJP to assert its dominance early in the electoral race.
On this week’s special episode of UnPolitics, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed accusations of pushing a hardcore Hindutva agenda, his government's controversial legislative moves like the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), and his vision for the state's development.
A late-night cloudburst in Uttarakhand forced authorities to shift residents to safer areas, with rescue teams working to trace two missing persons. District Magistrate Savin Bansal, SDM Kumkum Joshi, and other officials reached the site to assess the damage and expedite search efforts. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said he was closely monitoring the situation, remaining in constant touch with the local administration, and personally visited the affected areas with ministers and officials.