CM Pushkar Singh Dhami paid an emotional and high-profile tribute to the late former cabinet minister and Devprayag MLA, Diwakar Bhatt, during the assembly session on Tuesday. Describing him as the “Field Marshal” of Uttarakhand’s grassroots politics, the CM highlighted Bhatt’s fearless leadership and his lifelong dedication to the state’s identity.
Born in 1946 in Supar village of Tehri, Bhatt passed away on November 25, 2025, leaving a massive void in the political landscape of the hill state.
From BHEL Employee to Statehood Revolutionary
Diwakar Bhatt’s journey was defined by sacrifice rather than a quest for power. Chief Minister Dhami reminded the house that Bhatt chose to resign from a stable job at BHEL to plunge headfirst into the Uttarakhand statehood movement. His activism started at the tender age of 19, eventually leading him to the frontlines of historic protests.
The CM specifically noted his pivotal role in the 1995 Sriyantra Tapu movement and his hunger strike at Khait Parvat, which remain etched in the state’s revolutionary history.
The Architect of ‘Ghera Dalo, Dera Dalo’ Strategy
One of the most significant takeaways from the CM’s address was the mention of Bhatt’s strategic brilliance in mobilizing the masses. He was the brain behind the powerful slogan “Ghera Dalo, Dera Dalo” (Surround and Camp), which became a war cry for the youth and common citizens during the agitation for a separate state.
This strategy turned peaceful protests into a formidable force of public pressure, forcing the national leadership to acknowledge the demands of the hill people.
A Legacy of Ground-Level Governance
Bhatt’s political career was a masterclass in climbing the ladder through public service. He started as the Block Pramukh of Kirtinagar in 1983, a position he held for nearly a decade before becoming a Zila Panchayat member. After the formation of Uttarakhand, he represented the Devprayag constituency in 2007 and later served as a Cabinet Minister.
He handled critical portfolios including Revenue, Food and Civil Supplies, and Soldier Welfare, always prioritizing the “Hill Cadre” implementation and forest law amendments to benefit local residents.
An Irreparable Loss to the Himalayan State
The Chief Minister emphasized that despite holding high offices, Bhatt remained a symbol of simplicity and blunt honesty. As a founding member of the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD), he never compromised on the interests of the mountains.
CM Dhami concluded by stating that Bhatt’s demise is an irreparable loss to public life, extending his deepest condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the entire state assembly.
