Uttarakhand Congress president Ganesh Godiyal has criticised the appointment of Dushyant Gautam as Sikkim Governor, linking his objection to the Ankita Bhandari case.
Speaking in Dehradun, Godiyal said Gautam’s name had surfaced in the case and described the appointment as “an insult to the women of Uttarakhand”. He also said Congress would not remain silent until those accused in the case are punished.
Godiyal’s statement is a political allegation and does not establish guilt against Gautam or any other person. The available report does not provide further details about the nature of Gautam’s alleged connection to the case.
Political controversy over the appointment
The appointment has triggered criticism from Congress leaders and members of Ankita Bhandari’s family, according to reports published by Hindustan Times and Millenniumon 14 October 2026 and 15 October 2026.
Millenniumed that Rahul Gandhi sought President Droupadi Murmu’s intervention over the appointment. Hindustan Times reported that Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joined the family’s protest against the appointment.
The Times of India reported on 15 October 2026 that Congress sought Gautam’s removal as Governor. Separately, India Gazette reported on 16 October 2026 that an FIR was registered against former Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat after a protest related to the appointment.
These developments show that the appointment has become part of a wider political dispute connected to demands for accountability in the Ankita Bhandari case. They do not, by themselves, determine the outcome of any investigation or legal proceeding.
What Godiyal is demanding
Godiyal said the Congress would continue opposing the appointment and pressing for punishment for those accused in the case. His statement focused on the concerns of women in Uttarakhand and the demand for action against the accused.
No further official action concerning the appointment, the investigation or the case is provided in the available material. The next verified developments will depend on statements from the relevant authorities and progress in the legal process.
Conclusion
Ganesh Godiyal has condemned Dushyant Gautam’s appointment as Sikkim Governor over his claimed connection to the Ankita Bhandari case, while calling for accountability and continued action against those accused.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who criticised Dushyant Gautam’s appointment?
Ganesh Godiyal, the president of the Uttarakhand Congress, criticised the appointment.
Q. Which has Dushyant Gautam been appointed to?
He has been appointed as the Governor of Sikkim.
Q. What case did Godiyal refer to?
He referred to the Ankita Bhandari case.
Q. What did Godiyal say about the appointment?
He called it an insult to the women of Uttarakhand and said Congress would not remain silent.
Q. Did Godiyal declare anyone guilty?
No. His statement made a political allegation, while the available material does not establish guilt against Gautam or any other person.
