After the recent Gandhi’s visit Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat said his next invitation on the list is for PM Modi to join the sacred Char Dham Yatra.
Rawat said they would also request the prime minister to reopen the traditional route for the Mansarovar yatra.
Earlier President Pranab Mukherjee was invited on the opening ceremony of the portals but the programme was cancelled later. The President is now scheduled to visit the state on May 18.
Chief Minister thanked Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi for embarking on the trek to Kedarnath temple.
“Rahul’s reverence towards Lord Shiva helped him to traverse the distance between Gaurikund and Kedaranath very quickly,” Chief Minister said.
He also told that more than 2,000 pilgrims have visited Kedarnath Shrine so far, following which he plans to make it possible for whole year. Within next two years, the government plans to make the road to Kedarpuri base-camp accessible to small vehicles, he added.
Rahul Gandhi along with other Congress leaders started 10 km long trek to Lincholi where they halted for night. They then resumed the 6 km trek to reach Kedarnath this morning.
The portals of the shrine were opened for the pilgrims with a grand celebration in the morning.
The portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri will open on Tuesday, on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya; while Badrinath Dham will open on April 26.
News Source : Business Standard, Dehradun
Published Date: April 25, 2015
