Harish Rawat is blocking the entry of Harak Singh Rawat in Congress
Monday, 17 January 2022 | PNS | Dehradun
In a dramatic turn of events late on Sunday night senior cabinet minister Harak Singh Rawat was expelled by the ruling BJP from the primary membership of the party for six years. He was also sacked from the council of ministers by the chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
The swift late night strike by the BJP was reportedly done when it became clear that Rawat had made up his mind to join the Congress party.
After his expulsion he was expected to join the Congress but his entry has been seemingly blocked by former chief minister Harish Rawat. The former CM has reportedly set his foot down to prevent his entry in the Congress. He has informed the party high command to look into the past actions of Harak Singh, especially his role in the infamous coup of 2016 against his government. The ex-CM said that Harak Singh is engaging in pressure politics and the party should not rush to include him.
Harish Rawat told media persons in Delhi that the party should keep the opinion of the people of Uttarakhand and the episode of 2016 in mind before arriving at any decision on the issue. He said that those responsible for the episode of 2016 are offenders of democracy and the people of the state. Rawat however added that he has no personal animosity towards anyone.
Meanwhile Harak Singh got support from Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Ganesh Godiyal who said that Harak Singh Rawat is a leader with mass support. He said that Harak Singh has expressed regret for his involvement in the episode of 2016 and it should be appreciated. He said that the party high command would take a final decision on Harak Singh Rawat.
Shocked at his expulsion, Harak Singh attacked the BJP for acting on hearsay and false media reports. He said that he had promised the home minister Amit Shah and national president of BJP JP Nadda that he would not break the friendship with BJP. “Now I am relieved since it is not me who has left but they who removed me,’’ he said.
He said that he would now work for the Congress party and ensure the defeat of BJP in Uttarakhand. He said that he would unconditionally support the Congress party in the elections.
Reacting to the expulsion of Harak Singh Rawat, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that he was engaging in pressure politics. The CM said that he was demanding tickets for his family members also but the party has decided to stick to the principle of one ticket for one family.
