Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has addressed cricketer Rishabh Pant’s public request for assistance in acquiring land within his home state. The Chief Minister assured Pant that the government would provide all necessary support in line with established regulations.
Pant, a wicketkeeper-batter for India, is currently in Sri Lanka with the national team in preparation for an upcoming two-Test series. He utilized the social media platform X early on Saturday to appeal for the Chief Minister’s intervention, citing difficulties in purchasing land in Uttarakhand over a period of nearly three years.
Pant’s Desire to Return to Roots
The 28-year-old cricketer expressed a strong desire to relocate his primary residence from Delhi to Uttarakhand and establish his first home in the state where his family roots are located. Pant stated that despite actively searching for suitable land for three years, he had been unsuccessful in finding a property that met his specific requirements.
In his post on X, Pant directly addressed Chief Minister Dhami, highlighting his local connection to Uttarakhand. He conveyed his struggle to find a sufficiently large and accommodating property, emphasizing his affection for the state. Pant humbly requested assistance with the land acquisition process, describing it as a “nightmare” due to issues with clarity and previously promised land not materializing. He reiterated his wish to return to his native place to contribute to and build around Uttarakhand, and to be among his “Pahadi people.”
Pant clarified that his appeal was not for any special favour or a free allotment of land from the government. Instead, he expressed his willingness to purchase the land at the government’s official rates, provided the administration could facilitate the transaction. He stated that while a gift would be appreciated for representing the state on international platforms, his primary goal was to buy the land to build his first house in his home state.
Chief Minister Assures Cooperation
In response to Pant’s appeal, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami commended the India star for bringing recognition to Uttarakhand. He also welcomed Pant’s intention to return to his home state and contribute to its development. Dhami posted on X, acknowledging Pant as the “pride of Uttarakhand” and recognizing his achievements that have brought fame to the region, often referred to as Devbhoomi.
The Chief Minister further confirmed that the matter had been directed to the relevant government authorities. He stated that instructions were being issued to these officials, who would contact Pant shortly to ensure all possible cooperation is extended in accordance with the rules and regulations.
Pant’s current involvement with the Indian squad includes participation in a three-day warm-up match against SLC XI. This match precedes the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to commence on August 15. During the warm-up game, Pant initially served as the wicketkeeper but was later replaced by Dhruv Jurel behind the stumps on Day 1. This change was reportedly made to allow players rest in the hot and humid conditions, with no injury concerns noted. Pant has recently been primarily a one-format player, having been excluded from the ODI and T20I teams.
The cricketer’s public appeal underscores his deep connection to his native state and his desire to establish a permanent base there. The Chief Minister’s swift response indicates a commitment to support local talent and facilitate their integration back into the community. Officials are expected to contact Pant soon to discuss the land acquisition process.
Pant’s efforts to acquire land have spanned three years, highlighting the challenges he has faced despite his prominence. His social media post, shared at 12:46 AM, detailed his prolonged search for a suitable property. He emphasized that his motivation for moving back was to help and contribute to the development of Uttarakhand, reinforcing his commitment to his roots and the local populace. The dialogue between Pant and the Chief Minister on X has brought significant attention to the matter, with the Chief Minister’s assurance of assistance being a key development.
The Chief Minister’s statement on X not only praised Pant’s sporting achievements but also acknowledged his commendable love for his motherland. This interaction highlights the importance of public figures connecting with their home regions and the government’s role in supporting such initiatives. The instructions issued to concerned officials mark a concrete step towards resolving Pant’s land acquisition challenge, ensuring that the process will adhere to established rules.
Pant’s current focus remains on his cricketing commitments with the Indian team in Sri Lanka, where the two-Test series is set to begin on August 15.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
