Ending speculation about contesting the election as an independent candidate from Garhwal constituency, former principal of Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, colonel (retd) Ajay Kothiyal announced that he will not be contesting the election this time. He will continue to work for social welfare through his initiatives involving the youth and locals of the state.

Addressing the media here on Sunday, Kothiyal said that apart from working for the reconstruction of Kedarnath post the 2013 disaster, he also initiated the Youth Foundation. In the past five years, thousands of youth were trained by the foundation to prepare them for recruitment in the armed forces. Training was also provided to girls aiming for recruitment in the armed forces or self-employment.  He said, “The way for continuing my service to the society through politics was also open for me. During discussions with my friends and well-wishers, it was unanimously suggested that I contest as an independent candidate from the Garhwal constituency. However, when I thought over it, I realised that I do not know politics. During my interaction with leaders of national political parties in recent days, it became clear that I cannot fit in the mould of the national political parties. However, I am sure that the work we are doing is going in the right direction and we will put further effort into it. I have three major areas of focus now- the energetic youth looking towards me with expectations, the women who played a major role in State formation and need to have their burden decreased and strengthening the capable ex-servicemen who reside in the remote villages in the mountains. I have decided that I will invest my powers in facilitating a better future for the youth, women and ex-servicemen of the State. Heeding my inner voice, I have decided not to contest the Lok Sabha election from Garhwal constituency,” he added.