BJP MP Baluni plays Holi in ‘ghost village’, seeks return of former residents

New Delhi: Garhwal MP Anil Baluni campaigned as part of campaign for resettlement of settlements in Uttarakhand affected by exodus of locals Holi During his visit to the constituency, he met current and former residents of Dhoor village. A few former residents briefly return to the village to play the Festival of Colors, enlivening the almost empty village and reminding them of a bygone era before they moved to different cities to make a living. “Ever since my childhood, I have seen villages abandoned as people sought a better life in cities. Today, many of these villages are known as ‘ghost villages’. But now, with improved roads, electricity, water and other facilities, it is time to go back to our roots where our heritage can truly flourish,” Baruni said.Baruni, who was a member of the Lok Sabha before being elected to the Lok Sabha in 2024, has been spearheading a campaign to revive traditional festivals and bring former residents back to their hometowns to revive the old way of life in these remote mountainous areas, following calls from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.He said the small villages, once filled with laughter and livestock, were now abandoned, with terraces overgrown with weeds and houses locked and crumbling. Immigration has impacted the area, he added. Baruni said Pauri had eight assembly constituencies earlier but the number has now been reduced to six and may be reduced further after the next “delimitation”. He said several regions in the Mountain State were facing the same crisis. Holi is celebrated amidst all the colors and laughter by the few families who are still in Door. At that time, they were joined by many former residents who had returned from distant cities. Baruni often visits these villages in an effort to rejuvenate them. As part of his efforts, bjp The leader also launched the ‘Apna Vote Apne Gaon’ campaign urging people to register as voters in their hometowns.