Uttarakhand: BJP leaders clash over Congress allegations, war of words intensifies over BKTC irregularities

A heated feud is unfolding between two prominent BJP leaders in Uttarakhand. Both are associated with the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee. One is former president Ajendra Ajay, and the other is current president Hemant Dwivedi. The conflict between the two leaders began following allegations leveled by Ganesh Godiyal within the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee. Congress leader Ganesh Godiyal has raised questions about irregularities that have persisted in the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee since the BJP’s previous tenure.

Congress leader Ganesh Godiyal raised questions about several issues during Ajendra Ajay’s tenure at the temple committee, including the appointment and salary increase of his brother during Ajay’s tenure. When current BKTC president Hemant Dwivedi was questioned about this, he stated that he would conduct an investigation. This very fact angered Ajay. He then reminded current president Hemant Dwivedi of his various actions.

Congress leader Ganesh Godiyal raised the issue that Ajendra Ajay, as the Temple Committee Chairman, had committed numerous irregularities, including benefiting his brother. When the current Temple Committee Chairman, Hemant Dwivedi, was asked about this, he said he would investigate. Angered by this, former Chairman Ajendra Ajay exposed the corruption prevalent within the Temple Committee. Ajendra Ajay told the current Chairman, Hemant Dwivedi, which tasks he had left unfinished. What action has the current Chairman taken against him?

Former Temple Committee Chairman Ajendra Ajay criticized the current Chairman, Hemant Dwivedi’s working style. He said that his statement regarding the investigation of his brother’s salary increase should not be limited to mere rhetoric. He demanded an investigation be conducted soon. He also reminded Hemant Dwivedi that the tenure of BD Singh, who served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Temple Committee from 2010-11, should also be investigated. Ajendra Ajay said that BD Singh was removed during his tenure. He said that despite taking VRS, BD Singh is still sticking with the temple committee. This is a matter of concern.

Ajendra Ajay reminded the current president, Hemant Dwivedi, that a QR code issue had arisen very quickly in Kedarnath, on which he had filed a case. He advised the current president to take cognizance of it. He said that during his tenure, the Chamoli police acted swiftly in this matter. Now, why has the police become lax in this matter during the current president’s tenure? Hemant Dwivedi should answer this question.

He also raised questions about the appointment of Vijay Thapliyal, the current Chief Executive Officer of the temple committee. He said that Vijay Thapliyal, the CEO of the temple committee, does not meet the qualifications of a Chief Executive Officer according to the temple committee’s service rules. He explained that the service rules were first drafted during his tenure. According to this service rule, the Chief Executive Officer of the temple committee should be a Class 1 officer. The current officer doesn’t even qualify for Class 2, let alone Class 1. Ajendra Ajay said he had complained about this to the then Chief Secretary, Radha Raturi. He said the BKTC president should also address these issues.