Sting operations kept the political temperature high in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand will not forget year 2016 in a hurry. The year witnessed high drama to make it one of the…
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat faces big challenge in maintaining a balance between party and his family as many members of his family are keen on contesting the forthcoming state assembly polls. The CM faces the dicey situation as his three wards are active in various assembly seats since a long time.
Rawat’s eldest son Virendra has openly disclosed his wish to fight from Khatima assembly seat, his daughter Anupama, national secretary of Women Congress, has expressed her desire to contest from Haridwar rural and his youngest son, Anand is active in many assembly seats.
Age is fast catching Rawat, as he will be celebrating his 70th birthday next year. If Congress fails to retain power in 2017 Uttarakhand assembly elections, Rawat will have to wait till 2022 for settling his wards in politics.
The Uttarakhand Congress has invited applications from party leaders who want to contest the state assembly elections, due early next year. CM eldest son Virendra has applied for two seats of Kumoan region.
State Congress chief Kishore Upadhyaya says, “We have extended the date of submitting application till 25 November. The list will sent to All India Congress Committee screening committee, which will take a final call on the candidature. The application is with different district Congress committees presently and we have not complied the list of party leaders who have applied for Congress symbol.”
A party insider claims that Rawat is under big pressure from family to settle his wards in Uttarakhand politics. Had the revolt by ten senior party leaders not taken place this year, Rawat would have taken the chance by asking Congress high command to provide party ticket to some of his children. But, Harish Rawat has become cautious after Vijay Bahuguna, Harak Rawat and other staged revolt against him.
The TV news sting operation has rattled the Uttarakhand CM. The dilemma before Rawat, is not just about seeking party ticket for his wards, but also to discourage other Congress leaders from making similar demands for their children. The CM does not want another revolt in the party.
One senior Congress leader claimed under anonymity, “Harish Rawat is unlikely to press for ticket for his sons/daughter. The situation is complicated as state finance minister Indira Hridayesh and state irrigation minister Yashpal Arya are seeking tickets for their sons.”
The Uttarakhand Congress is hopeful that the list of candidates will get finalized by the year end. How experienced Harish Rawat will play the complicated situation between family and party? Remains to be seen!
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