Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has responded to cricketer Rishabh Pant’s midnight appeal over his three-year struggle to acquire land in the state, assuring him of official assistance.

Pant had recently tagged Dhami on X, saying he wanted to shift his base from Delhi to Uttarakhand and return to his native place. The cricketer said he had been trying to find suitable land for three years but had been unable to do so, calling the process a 'nightmare' and urging the chief minister to look into the matter.

Responding to Pant, Dhami called the star cricketer 'the pride of Uttarakhand' and praised his contribution to bringing recognition to the state.

'Dear Rishabh, you are the pride of Uttarakhand,' Dhami wrote, highlighting Pant’s performances and achievements that have 'illuminated the name of Devbhoomi in the country and the world'.

The CM also welcomed Pant’s desire to return to his roots and contribute to the development of his home state.

'Your love for your motherland and your sentiment of returning here to contribute are highly commendable,' Dhami said.

Officials instructed to assist Pant

Addressing Pant’s specific concern over land acquisition, Dhami said he had directed the concerned officials to take up the matter.

'Regarding the matter you have raised, instructions are being issued to the concerned officials,' the chief minister said.

Dhami added that officials would soon contact Pant and extend 'all possible cooperation' in accordance with the rules.

The response comes shortly after Pant publicly appealed to Dhami for help, saying he wanted to move back to Uttarakhand and contribute to his native state.

Pant had also expressed his desire to reconnect with his 'Pahadi people' after years of living away from his home state.

Dhami’s response indicates that Pant’s request is now being taken up by the state administration, with officials expected to contact the cricketer over the matter.