Dehradun, May 8 -- The alleged gang-rape of a fifteen year old girl in Champawat by three men, including a BJP functionary, once again brings to the fore the dismal law and order situation in Uttarakhand. If any lesson is to be learned by the BJP regime here from Mamata Banerjee's election defeat in West Bengal is the danger of being deluded by one's own narrative. It is easy to claim good governance on the basis of schemes launched and projects completed, but the nitty-gritty of daily administration also needs to be addressed. Mere speeches and public posturing is not enough.
The economic structure of the hills has historically been built upon mostly women's contribution. As such, it has required that they have the freedom of movement and...