BJP MLA Questions High-Altitude Gairsain Assembly location: 'No Oxygen, Biting Cold'

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Uttarakhand has publicly criticized the location of the temporary Assembly building in Bhararisain (commonly known as Gairsain), describing it as unsuitable due to severe oxygen scarcity and unbearable cold conditions. Mahant Dilip Rawat, the three-term legislator from Lansdowne constituency, made the remarks ahead of the state's budget session scheduled to convene there from March 9 to March 13, 2026. His viral statement has sparked debate within political circles, even as the ruling BJP government under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has confirmed the venue.

Rawat, a prominent local leader, questioned the site selection for the Vidhan Sabha complex, asserting that the high-altitude location—situated at around 1,950 meters (approximately 6,400 feet) in Chamoli district—lacks basic environmental suitability for prolonged legislative activities. "The assembly building has been constructed at the wrong site. There is a severe lack of oxygen and the cold is unbearable," he stated, highlighting concerns about health and comfort for lawmakers, staff, and attendees during the winter-to-spring transition period when temperatures can drop significantly.

Gairsain has long been a contentious choice for Uttarakhand's legislative sessions, often positioned as a compromise toward declaring it the permanent or summer capital amid regional demands from Garhwal and Kumaon divisions. The government has held several sessions there in recent years, including budget presentations, to symbolize administrative outreach to the hills. However, the venue has faced recurring criticism for logistical challenges, including poor road connectivity, limited medical facilities, and harsh weather, with similar complaints from MLAs across parties in previous winters prompting requests to shift sessions to Dehradun.

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The timing of Rawat's comments adds intrigue, coming from within the ruling BJP itself, though no immediate response from party leadership or the Chief Minister has been reported. The budget session will begin with Governor Gurmit Singh's address, followed by CM Dhami's presentation of the financial plan. Opposition parties, including Congress, have previously protested short session durations and other issues but have not yet commented on Rawat's specific critique. Over 500 questions have already been submitted by MLAs, with expectations of more as the date approaches.

Despite the friction, the session is set to proceed in Gairsain as planned, underscoring the government's commitment to the site amid ongoing debates over Uttarakhand's capital and administrative decentralization. Authorities have not indicated any change in venue, emphasizing preparations to address weather-related challenges for participants. The episode highlights persistent sensitivities around hill-state governance and infrastructure in a region prone to extreme climatic conditions.

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