New U’khand CM Reviews ‘Controversial’ Decisions, Says No Covid-19 Certificate Needed for Kumbh Mela

Days after being chosen as the new chief minister of Uttarakhand, Tirath Singh Rawat indicated that he will review ‘politically wrong’ decisions made by the former Trivendra Singh Rawat-led government.

“We will go with the sentiments of common people” CM underlined. No Covid negative report needed from April 1 for pilgrims wishing to visit Haridwar to take a holy dip in the Ganga River during the Kumbh Mela, he added. The decision is set to give relief to scores of pilgrims who are planning to visit the holy city during Kumbh Mela that officially begins on April 1.

The Trivendra Singh government had imposed several restrictions for the Kumbh Mela amid the ongoing pandemic, which included- mandatory Covid negative report, restricted entry of senior citizens, and people with comorbidities. However, the decision was condemned by the seer and the local community.

CM Tirath also indicated that the government will ‘review’ a controversial Devasthanam Act which brings 55 temples including Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri shrines under the government control. “I will speak to priests and try to understand their viewpoint,” Tirath said. “Will bridge the gap (between stakeholders and government) and decide accordingly,” he added.

The newly-chosen CM is an MP from the Pauri Garhwal constituency, which has a major influence on the priest community. Following MP’s selection as the CM, his constituency will also go for a bypoll.

Meanwhile, when asked whether the government will roll back the decision to make a new Gairsain commissionary taking two Kumaon districts from the Kumaon commissionary, Tirath said, “the government will respect people’s sentiments.”

Nevertheless, Tirath Rawat, the 10th chief minister of the state who replaced Trivendra Rawat earlier this week said the government will respect people’s sentiments. He said this