In what has now turned into a full-blown political drama, the Chaukhutia health crisis in Uttarakhand has revealed how the Congress party’s internal politics has overshadowed the genuine concerns of local residents. Since October 2, people in Chaukhutia have been staging a sit-in protest over the lack of specialist doctors and essential resources at the Community Health Centre (CHC). The protestors, now marching on foot to Dehradun, have been demanding permanent medical staff and better healthcare facilities.
Dhami Acts, Congress Distracts
Understanding the public’s frustration, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered the immediate deployment of specialist doctors. His intervention brought a sense of hope to the residents, who had been struggling for weeks without adequate medical support. However, just as the situation began to improve, the Congress party grew restless.
Soon after the posting of Dr. Kritika Bhandari, granddaughter of former CM Harish Rawat, and Dr. Manish Pant, a close associate of MLA Manoj Tiwari, the situation took a dramatic turn. Acting on political orders, Manoj Tiwari reportedly led a group of around 200 Congress workers to the Chief Medical Officer’s office, pressuring officials to revoke the transfer orders.
Family Favouritism and Political Hypocrisy
The moment the doctors’ postings were cancelled, Congress’s “family doctor” politics came out in the open. What should have been a step toward public welfare was turned into a power struggle of personal connections. The incident not only exposed the party’s internal lobbying but also highlighted its double standards, crying foul about doctor shortages while sabotaging postings for personal or political reasons.
Ironically, Congress leader Yashpal Arya later began questioning the cancellation of doctor postings, seemingly forgetting that it was his own party colleagues who orchestrated the move. This sequence of events clearly shows that for Congress, political control outweighs public service.
The people of Chaukhutia wanted doctors; Congress gave them drama. As the citizens continue their march to Dehradun, their anger is no longer just about healthcare, it’s about a party that turned their pain into a political spectacle.
