Rahul Gandhi Joins Protest Against Governor Appointment at India Gate

Rahul Gandhi stands with Ankita Bhandari's parents at India Gate, demanding justice amid controversy over Dushyant Gautam's governor role.

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Aapla Nagpur Desk
14 Oct 2026, 8:51 PM IST · 3 min read
Source: Telegraphindia
Rahul Gandhi Joins Protest Against Governor Appointment at India Gate
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1

Rahul Gandhi participated in a protest against Dushyant Gautam's appointment as Sikkim governor.

2

Ankita Bhandari's parents claim Gautam is linked to their daughter's murder case.

3

Uttarakhand Congress leaders criticize the appointment as a political maneuver to protect Gautam.

On a significant day of protest, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, joined Ankita Bhandari's parents at India Gate to voice their concerns over the appointment of Dushyant Gautam as the Governor of Sikkim. This demonstration, which took place on [insert date], also saw the presence of activist Yogita Bhayana and other Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The protest was sparked by allegations that Gautam is a 'VIP' linked to the 2022 murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari, whose tragic death has raised serious questions about justice and accountability.

The backdrop of this protest is rooted in the shocking murder of Ankita Bhandari, who was killed on September 18, 2022, at the Vanantra Resort in Rishikesh. Her body was discovered four days later, leading to the arrest of resort owner Pulkit Arya and two accomplices, who were subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment. Activist Yogita Bhayana emphasized that Ankita's parents felt compelled to leave their home in the mountains and come to Delhi, as they believe that Gautam's promotion to governor is an affront to their quest for justice.

During the protest, Bhayana shared on social media that the family is demanding an immediate halt to Gautam's appointment until the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) completes its inquiry. She highlighted concerns over actions that seem to obscure the involvement of influential figures in the case, including the demolition of the resort where the crime occurred and alleged tampering with evidence. The protestors argue that the promotion of a figure linked to such a serious crime undermines the integrity of the justice system.

The implications of this protest extend beyond the immediate concerns of Ankita's family. Uttarakhand Congress leaders have voiced their discontent, claiming that Gautam's appointment represents a broader issue of political accountability and governance. Ganesh Godiyal, the state Congress committee president, articulated that this decision is a direct affront to the sentiments of Uttarakhand's residents, suggesting it is an attempt to shield Gautam from legal scrutiny. The Congress party has called for a rapid investigation into the murder case, arguing that justice must take precedence over political appointments.

Looking ahead, the political landscape in Uttarakhand may shift as the Congress party continues to challenge the BJP's decisions. The CBI investigation into Ankita Bhandari's murder remains a focal point, and the Congress party's protests may escalate if they perceive a lack of accountability from the ruling government. As the situation develops, the voices of Ankita's family and their supporters will likely remain at the forefront of this ongoing struggle for justice.

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