Dehradun, June 20 -- A war of words erupted between the BJP and Congress over the recent chopper crash on the Char Dham yatra route, with the Congress slamming the government over the absence of transparent aviation policies and the BJP hitting back at the party for politicising such incidents to tarnish the image of the tourist-friendly state. BJP state media in-charge Manveer Singh Chauhan has accused the Congress of attempting to politicise recent accidents in the state and tarnish Uttarakhand's image as a safe and thriving tourist destination. Chauhan said that "while the Opposition's concern may appear genuine, its attempts to paint the situation in a negative political light are misleading and harmful". Chauhan said, "Adequate safety arrangements have been made at all Char Dhams, and high-level investigations into recent accidents are currently underway. State government is working with seriousness and urgency to ensure the safe and systematic operation of helicopter services, which are crucial in the high Himalayan regions". On recent helicopter crash in Rudraprayag, Chauhan said that a high-level inquiry has been ordered. "Strict action will be taken against any official or agency found negligent," he said, adding that ensuring public safety remains the government's top priority and that "no compromises will be made when it comes to saving lives." "Government is committed to making heli operations more secure and aligned with the challenging geographical terrain of Uttarakhand. The flying experience of all pilots and operators involved in the Char Dham region will be thoroughly verified, and only those with long-term expertise in high-altitude flying will be permitted to operate", he said. Chauhan said Congress giving chopper incidents a political spin is an attempt to tarnish the image of Uttarakhand, which is rapidly growing as a premier tourist destination. "The increasing footfall at pilgrimage and tourist spots each year is a positive sign. Tourism is emerging as the backbone of the state's economy, and the government is determined to promote it responsibly," he said. BJP's response came after a delegation of Congress leaders led by state Congress president Karan Mahara met chief secretary Anand Bardhan on Thursday evening and submitted a six-point memorandum demanding immediate reforms in the state's aviation policy. During the meeting , Mahara expressed deep concern over the five helicopter accidents that have occurred in the last 45 days, terming them a result of the absence of a transparent and safety-focused aviation policy in the state. "There appears to be no proper adherence to DGCA and ATC regulations, no defined operational standards, and no monitoring of flight frequency, landings, or flying hours. The operation of old helicopters and indiscriminate flying are key contributors to the recent tragedies," Mahra said. The memorandum submitted by the Congress delegation emphasised the need for strict enforcement of DGCA and air traffic control rules, a ban on operating old helicopters, and the formulation of a transparent and region-specific aviation policy. Mahra also flagged environmental concerns arising from unregulated helicopter operations, adding that "indiscriminate flights are endangering Uttarakhand's national parks, wildlife, and glaciers."...