Harish Rawat in political doldrums . Rawat’s member of inner circle Kunjwal says openly – without Rawat Congress can’t return to power

SUNIL NEGI

As the elections of the Uttarakhand state assembly are nearing while six former BSP and BJP MLAs and leaders have joined the Congress party raising its political morale high and BJP’s low, the intercine squabbles in Congress party are still continuing with the former chief minister Harish Rawat allegedly in the dock.

In the recently held high level political meeting Harish Rawat was conspicuous by his absence at 24 Akbar Road on the day the 6 MLAs joined the party having announced his political vacation for 15 days in advance.

Not only this but his henchmen and former cabinet minister Govind Singh Kunjwal while speaking to mediamen had openly said the way Harish Rawat was insulted by the High Command of Uttarakhand CONGRESS and central High Command not accepting a rebel Congress leader and independent candidate from Ram Nagar who contested against Congress candidate earlier Sanjay Negi on Rawat’s recommendation – it is openly clear that he is being ignored and sidelined thus underestimating him and his political experience, clout and reputation.

Kunjwal catagorically warned the Congress high command that if a senior most leader of Congress and former union minister and CM is ignored in Uttarakhand, Congress cannot return to power in the state.

This unambiguously given statement by Harish Rawat’s henchmen veteran leader Govind Singh Kunjwal in public emphatically gives a clear message of rebellion said the saffron party activists on the condition not to be named. Even the Congress leaders and High command see an inkling of rebellion in Kunjwal’s attitude and statement though he has had expressed the optimism that Rawat is not going anywhere despite rumours taking the rounds of his loyalty shift.

There are unconfirmed reports of his coterie advising him to join the saffron party and there are rumours of Rawat being given a big portfolio if he joins it, though Rawat will never take this stand say Congressmen who are in rival camp.

On the other hand the chairman of the Uttarakhand Congrsss committee Dr. Harak Singh Rawat too has given a statement against Rawat while talking to media saying that no one should be under assumption that he is the sole leader of the party and without him Congress can’t stage a come back in the state. His pointed answer was towards Harish Rawat making it absolutely clear that all is not well in CONGRESS.

Today the entire CONGRESS seems to be on one side leaving Harish Rawat completely sidelined in Uttarakhand Congress say the political analysts.

Meanwhile Harish Rawat has tried to again give complete patronage to what Kunjwal said and has while indirectly expressing his annoyance over his being neglected in the party assuring the younger generation to seek his blessings and support if need be and he is ready fully like Dadichee gave his bones. He posted a long post in this regard on her s FB timeline which gives an impression of Rawat still not losing hope despite being discarded assuring the younger aspirants in 2027 of his full support and blessings in all respects.

The following is his long post in hindi : Having been on duty for over 59 years, it is my natural right to take a short, earned vacation. During this long period of unbroken union, there may be moments when you may feel a little uneasy.

Situations have to be understood in a broader perspective.
I request that this earned leave of mys not be contested. I have a long-standing emotional and emotional connection with Shri Govind Singh Kunjwal, and his words are natural.

There may be some who have considered me a brother or father figure, and they too may have some feelings, but I apologize. Throughout my tireless 59 years, I have always remembered that I am a party worker and have always accepted the ultimate decision of the party’s highest leadership.
I may have pleaded a little at times, but ultimately I have accepted the decision of the top. This long vow, which has now taken the form of a resolution, will neither be broken nor changed.

To the young people who see possibilities for themselves in 2027, I want to tell them that, like Maharishi Dadhichi, if they need my bones, Harish Rawat’s bones will always be available to shape their future.

Even during my time off, I remain constantly active and constantly working my butt off. During this long period, I have connected with many people, groups, regions, beliefs, and public expectations. At this juncture in my life, I need their advice and feel the need to reach out to them to renew my connection with them. I am grateful to the critics who are curious about me assured Rawat in his social media post.