Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited a hospital in Dehradun on Tuesday to inquire about the health of Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri, the former Chief Minister of the state and one of Uttarakhand’s most respected political leaders. Dhami also met Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri, Khanduri’s daughter, to obtain updates about her father’s treatment.
The Chief Minister extended his prayers for the veteran leader’s swift recovery. “I wish Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri ji good health and speedy recovery. He has served the state and the nation with distinction, and we continue to draw inspiration from his public life,” Dhami said after his visit.
Our Correspondent reports that Dhami’s visit was both a personal gesture of respect and a reaffirmation of the BJP’s regard for one of its most senior figures in Uttarakhand. The meeting between Dhami and Ritu Khanduri also reflected the party’s close-knit ties, especially at a time when concerns for the health of the former Chief Minister are deeply felt across the state.
A Stalwart of Uttarakhand and National Politics
Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri, popularly known as B.C. Khanduri, has been a towering presence in Uttarakhand’s political landscape since the formation of the state in 2000. Born in 1934, Khanduri has had a long and distinguished career, not just in politics but also in public service. Before joining politics, he served in the Indian Army, retiring as a Major General. His military background shaped his disciplined approach to governance and his reputation as a leader of integrity and accountability.
Khanduri served as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand twice, first from 2007 to 2009 and again from 2011 to 2012. He was widely credited for introducing reforms in governance, particularly in areas such as road infrastructure, education, and anti-corruption measures. His decision to introduce a strict anti-copying law during board examinations earned him both praise and criticism, but it demonstrated his commitment to honesty and discipline in public life.
At the national level, Khanduri served as the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. Under his stewardship, the ambitious Golden Quadrilateral project—India’s largest highway development programme—was accelerated, transforming the country’s road connectivity and economy.
Our Correspondent adds that Khanduri’s tenure as Union Minister remains one of the defining phases of his political journey, cementing his reputation as a visionary leader who left a lasting imprint on India’s infrastructure development.
A Legacy of Integrity and Service
Khanduri is regarded as one of the cleanest politicians in Uttarakhand’s history, admired for his simplicity, discipline, and unwavering commitment to public service. Even after stepping away from active politics, his influence and legacy continue to inspire leaders across party lines.
Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri, his daughter, has carried forward his legacy in public life. She currently serves as the Speaker of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly, the first woman to hold this position in the state’s history. Her presence alongside the Chief Minister during his hospital visit underscored the family’s continued role in Uttarakhand’s political and social life.
Our Correspondent reports that many political leaders and citizens have also expressed their prayers and wishes for Khanduri’s recovery, reflecting his enduring popularity and respect. Public sentiment across the state highlights the sense of gratitude people feel for his decades of service.
Chief Minister Dhami’s visit is being seen not just as a formal courtesy but as an expression of continuity between generations of leaders. Dhami has often spoken about drawing inspiration from senior figures like Khanduri, who shaped the early trajectory of Uttarakhand.
Our Correspondent adds that such gestures strengthen the moral fabric of politics in the state, reminding citizens that leadership is not just about power but about respect, gratitude, and service to the community.
As the state awaits further updates on Khanduri’s health, the prayers of citizens and leaders alike stand united in wishing one of Uttarakhand’s tallest leaders a safe and speedy recovery.
