Mon Feb 23 01:46:13 UTC 2026: # Uttarakhand Education Department Employees Strike Following Alleged Assault by BJP MLA Supporters

The Story:

Employees of the Uttarakhand education department are set to strike on Monday, February 23, 2026, and Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in response to the alleged assault of director Ajay Kumar Naudiyal by supporters of BJP MLA Umesh Sharma ‘Kau’. The incident reportedly occurred after a dispute over the renaming of a school. Unions representing teachers, ministerial services, pharmacists, and other employee organizations have jointly decided to boycott work. They have also threatened a broader strike across state government offices starting February 25, 2026, if arrests are not made.

The alleged assault took place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, when supporters of Mr. Sharma reportedly vandalized Mr. Naudiyal’s office and physically assaulted him. A case has been registered against the MLA and his supporters, while the MLA’s supporters have filed a counter-complaint. While the BJP state unit president Mahendra Bhatt stated that the MLA has apologized, and urged against escalation, the strike action is proceeding as planned.

Key Points:

  • Uttarakhand education department employees will strike on February 23-24, 2026.
  • The strike is in response to the alleged assault of director Ajay Kumar Naudiyal by supporters of BJP MLA Umesh Sharma ‘Kau’.
  • The incident allegedly occurred over the renaming of a school on February 21, 2026.
  • A case and a counter-complaint have been filed with the police.
  • Unions are demanding the arrest of the accused and increased security measures for employees.
  • A wider strike across all state government offices is threatened starting February 25, 2026, if the accused are not arrested.

Key Takeaways:

  • The incident highlights the potential for political interference in administrative matters, specifically regarding the naming of a school.
  • The strong reaction from various employee unions indicates a deep concern for the safety and security of government employees.
  • The BJP’s response, while condemning the violence, appears to be aimed at de-escalating the situation, potentially to avoid further political fallout.
  • The strike action could disrupt education department operations and other government services in Uttarakhand.
  • The incident could escalate further if the demands of the striking employees are not met and arrests are not made.

Impact Analysis:

The strike by Uttarakhand education department employees, and the potential escalation to a state-wide strike, has significant implications:

  • Disruption of Public Services: The strike will likely disrupt educational services, potentially affecting students and their families. A wider strike could paralyze essential government functions.
  • Political Ramifications: The incident and the subsequent strike could damage the reputation of the BJP in Uttarakhand, particularly if the MLA is perceived to be acting with impunity. This could impact future elections and political stability in the state.
  • Increased Security Measures: The demand for a special operating procedure for employee safety and increased police presence in government offices could lead to a more militarized or controlled environment in the workplace.
  • Precedent Setting: This incident could set a precedent for future protests and strikes by government employees in response to perceived threats or acts of violence. It may also encourage similar actions in other states if the demands are met.
  • Erosion of Public Trust: If the situation is not handled effectively, it could erode public trust in government institutions and the ability of the state to protect its employees.

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