A state-wide shutdown, or 'bandh', called by the opposition Congress party in Uttarakhand on Thursday, January 12, 2026, to protest the handling of the Ankita Bhandari murder case, failed to garner significant public support. The protest call, demanding justice for the 19-year-old receptionist allegedly killed by a BJP leader's son, saw normal life largely unaffected in major towns, with shops remaining open and traffic flowing as usual.
Public and Trader Apathy Marks the Protest Day
Contrary to the Congress's expectations, the bandh received a lukewarm response across the state. In key districts like Dehradun, Haridwar, and Udham Singh Nagar, commercial establishments functioned normally. Markets, petrol pumps, and public transport services reported regular operations. The Uttarakhand Traders' Union openly opposed the bandh, with its president stating that traders were not consulted and saw no reason to support the politically motivated shutdown.
Many locals and business owners questioned the timing and intent of the Congress's protest, suggesting it was more about gaining political mileage than genuine concern for justice. The general sentiment on the ground was that the judicial process was already underway, and a bandh would only disrupt daily life without serving any constructive purpose.
Congress Leaders Detained Amidst Thin Rallies
Despite the lack of public participation, Congress leaders, including state unit president, attempted to stage protests. They were promptly detained by police in Dehradun to prevent any breach of peace. The party had called for the bandh, alleging that the state government, led by the BJP, was trying to shield the main accused, Pulkit Arya, and dilute the case.
Pulkit Arya, the son of a former BJP minister, is the prime accused in the murder of Ankita Bhandari, who worked at his Vanantara Resort in Rishikesh. The case, which sparked national outrage in 2022, is currently under trial. The Congress's core demand was for the case to be heard in a fast-track court to ensure swift justice.
Political Repercussions and Public Sentiment
The failed bandh has turned into a significant political embarrassment for the Uttarakhand Congress. It has exposed a gap between the party's political agenda and the public's current priorities. Analysts suggest that the public's refusal to endorse the shutdown indicates a preference for letting the law take its course rather than engaging in disruptive politics.
The incident also puts a spotlight on the challenges faced by the opposition in mobilizing public opinion on issues where the judicial process is already active. The Uttarakhand police had made extensive security arrangements across the state to maintain order, which ultimately saw minimal disruption. The day's events underscore that calls for protests must resonate with public sentiment to succeed, a connection that the Congress failed to establish with this bandh.
