Political turmoil escalates within Uttarakhand Congress; Harish Rawat voices his anguish.
Dehradun. The political tussle within the Congress has intensified before the upcoming assembly elections 2027 in Uttarakhand. Differences have come to light between the party leadership and him regarding the personal public meeting of former Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Harish Rawat. Harish Rawat, who had undertaken the yatra despite objections from the Congress high command, was to go to Delhi to present his case, but his proposed meeting with senior party leaders could not take place. Meanwhile, by sharing an emotional post on social media, he mentioned his political journey of almost 60 years. Rawat said that he was never asked for an explanation in his long political career, but now such an opportunity has come. After his statement, the internal tussle going on in Uttarakhand Congress has again become a topic of discussion.
For the first time in 60 years of politics, the need to give clarification
Harish Rawat shared his views on his political journey and old relations with Congress on social media platform X. He said that in the month of October he is completing 60 years of his association with Congress. On October 14, the party will complete 58 years of formal membership.
Rawat said that he might have committed many mistakes in such a long political career, but the party had never asked him for answers before. He said that earlier when questions were raised on any topic, the party leadership used to listen to him through normal conversation.
The former Chief Minister clarified in his statement that this time he got information about seeking clarification through social media. After this he himself sought time to meet senior party leaders.
Rawat described this situation as a new experience in his long political career.
Could not meet Congress high command
Harish Rawat had to present his case before senior Congress leaders on the controversy related to his travel. For this, there was talk of meeting the party’s Uttarakhand in-charge Kumari Selja on October 7.
However, their meeting could not take place on the scheduled day. According to the report, Rawat could not reach Delhi on October 7 and he had informed Kumari Selja in this regard.
Earlier, he had met Congress National General Secretary KC Venugopal and presented his views regarding his visit.
After postponing the proposed meeting with Kumari Selja, now a new date is awaited for talks between the party leadership and Harish Rawat. There has been no official announcement of any disciplinary action from the Congress in this matter.
Controversy started regarding Jansamvad Yatra
This controversy started in Uttarakhand Congress regarding Harish Rawat’s ‘Thanksgiving and Jan Samvad Yatra’. Rawat had prepared the program of this journey from Jaspur to Haldwani in Udham Singh Nagar district.
The central leadership of the Congress had advised him to participate in mass programs of the party instead of running a separate political campaign.
Despite this, Harish Rawat started his journey from Jaspur on October 5. During the journey he met people and held public dialogues in various areas.
Differences within the Congress became public after the event was organized despite objections from the party leadership.
High command laid emphasis on mass programs
Congress leadership says that before the upcoming assembly elections, all senior leaders should unite and participate in party programs.
On behalf of the party, Harish Rawat was asked to give priority to the programs scheduled by the organization instead of taking out the yatra on a personal level.
The Congress leadership is considering collective strategy and organizational coordination as important in election preparations.
On the other hand, Harish Rawat is describing his Jan Samvad Yatra as a medium to establish contact with the public and talk to the workers.
Differences have emerged between the party leadership and the former Chief Minister on this issue.
Absence of senior leaders in the yatra is also in discussion
The absence of some senior leaders of Uttarakhand Congress during Harish Rawat’s Jan Samvad Yatra also remained a topic of discussion.
According to reports, two prominent leaders of the party kept their distance from the event. After this, discussions regarding different political stances intensified within the Congress.
However, the absence of a leader from the yatra cannot be considered as definitive proof of displeasure or factionalism with the party.
At present, the Congress leadership has emphasized on taking all the leaders along in the preparations for the upcoming elections and maintaining organizational unity.
Harish Rawat’s six decade old relationship with Congress
Harish Rawat is among the prominent senior leaders of Uttarakhand Congress. Apart from being the Chief Minister of the state, he has also held important responsibilities in the Central Government.
His political career has been associated with the Congress organization. Rawat also prominently remembered his long relationship with the party in his recent statement.
He said that his relationship with Congress is almost six decades old. During this period there were many political ups and downs, but he played his role by staying within the party.
According to Rawat, this is the first time in his political career that he is facing a situation of formally clarifying his stand.
Congress’s challenge increases before assembly elections
Assembly elections are to be held in Uttarakhand in the year 2027. In such a situation, it is important for Congress to maintain coordination among senior leaders along with organizational preparations.
BJP is in power in the state and