BJP pounces upon Rawat’s planned show of strength, questions Congress’ integrity
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Bharatiya Janata Party has stated that Congress leader Harish Rawat’s planned activities to show his individual political standing have once again exposed the severe factionalism in the Congress. MLA and senior BJP leader Munna Singh Chauhan said that the Congress party should clarify whether thie planned show of strength on Sunday is for showing Rawat’s strength to the Congress high command, to send a message to the State Congress leaders, or to prove his political relevance.
The BJP leader and MLA said that the consistent marginalisation of Rawat within the Congress party is no secret. “His close associates were denied the political space they expected within the party and on many occasions, even his supporters were denied the importance they expected within the Congress organisation. Considering this, the show of strength in his support only highlights the ongoing infighting within the Congress party and the leadership’s discomfort. The Congress party should also clarify whether Harish Rawat enjoys full importance and respect within the party- and if so why is he talking about stepping down from organisational responsibilities? If he is facing neglect or a limited role in the party, to whom are his supporters aiming to send a message by demonstrating their strength?”
Chauhan said that Rawat wants to convey to the Congress leadership that he remains the most prominent political face of the Congress party in Uttarakhand. The planned road show appears to be another chapter in the battle for leadership and political dominance within the Congress party, he said.
The BJP MLA said that while Harish Rawat is going to show his strength with his supporters, the Enforcement Directorate’s action on the premises belonging to his former PA and OSD has also become a topic of public discussion. The ED has reported the seizure of cash, gold and expensive watches during a money-laundering investigation into alleged irregularities in the 2016 UKSSSC Gram Panchayat Vikas Adhikari exam. Therefore, the Congress party should present a clear position on these issues along with its show of strength.
Chauhan said that road shows don’t answer political questions and gathering crowds won’t resolve the internal strife within the Congress party. If this show of strength is meant to send a message to the Congress high command, then the party should explain why such a message was necessary. He said that the people of Uttarakhand want clarity from the Congress leaders, not internal politics. Congress must first decide whether Rawat is its guiding light, its most prominent political figure, or a leader marginalised by the party leadership – tomorrow’s show of strength will answer this question.
