Gautam, a Dalit leader who steered BJP's Scheduled Caste Morcha, stepped into the gubernatorial post after a brief stint as National General Secretary. The appointment, announced by the central government, follows a controversial decision to sidestep a pending investigation into a high‑profile murder case. His new role places him in the constitutional seat that can influence law and order in the Himalayan state.
The move has ignited fury in Congress, which points to the murder of 19‑year‑old resort receptionist Ankita Bhandari in September 2022. Bhandari's parents allege that Gautam was a VIP named in their appeal, yet the CBI has yet to file any FIR. Congress states the appointment is a shield that blocks criminal prosecution.
BJP counters by highlighting allegations against Congress MP A Bimol Akoijam, who was dismissed by Jawaharlal Nehru University for sexual harassment of students. Uttarakhand BJP chief Manveer Singh Chauhan called Congress's silence "political opportunism." He urged party leaders to confront internal misconduct instead of targeting a rival.
In response, Uttarakhand Congress chief Ganesh Godiyal announced a one‑hour silent fast in Dehradun and called for a swift CBI probe. He warned that the appointment "deeply wounds the sentiments" of Uttarakhand's people, citing a lack of progress by the investigative agency.
The CBI’s Special Crime Branch has retained documents from the case, but no formal charges have been filed. The appointment may complicate any future legal action, as governors enjoy immunity from prosecution. The next step will be a parliamentary debate on the governor's powers and potential reforms.