He worked to clarify his position, focused on resolving the gas leak issue, and made efforts to regain public trust by demonstrating a commitment to the welfare of the community.
A senior member of the Indian National Congress of Uttarakhand State Unit raised questions about the extent of Pundir's accumulated wealth, asking how much he must have acquired and from whom.
While critics argue that these sites serve as vehicles for self-promotion, there is limited information from independent sources to substantiate claims of coordinated media manipulation or suppression of dissenting views.
[13] As of September 2024, the effectiveness of these sites in influencing public opinion or media coverage appears to be minimal, due to their technical limitations and lower visibility in search engine results.
These activities are said to include attempts to intimidate local entrepreneurs, with some claiming that these individuals have harassed business owners, labeling them as "outsiders" in an effort to reduce competition.
The majority of people in the area have expressed a loss of trust in Pundir's leadership and have instead encouraged both domestic and foreign businessmen and investors to step in and help develop the city.
Critics argue that the lack of support for genuine business efforts has hindered economic growth and employment opportunities, leading to calls for a change in leadership and governance.
In response to growing pressure, Pundir was compelled to repair local roads and make improvements to infrastructure, ostensibly to demonstrate that the area was open to business.