Congress Infighting Erupts in Uttarakhand Ahead of 2027 Assembly Polls
In Dehradun, barely a few months before the crucial 2027 assembly elections, deep-seated differences among senior Congress leaders in Uttarakhand have erupted into the open, threatening party unity. The controversy ignited with the recent induction of six prominent politicians into the party fold, sparking a heated internal debate that has exposed factional rifts.
Harish Rawat's Push and Political Break
Sources reveal that former Chief Minister Harish Rawat was particularly keen on having Sanjay Negi, a politician from the Ramnagar constituency, join the Congress on the same day as the other inductees. However, this move faced stiff opposition from other senior party members, leading to Negi's joining being postponed. In response to the resistance, Harish Rawat announced a "15-day political break," describing it as the "first instalment of a break in my 60-year political journey." This decision has added to the growing tensions within the party ranks.
Ramnagar Constituency: A Historical Flashpoint
The Ramnagar constituency has long been a bone of contention between Harish Rawat and Ranjeet Rawat, with both leaders vying for influence. Ultimately, neither was given the Congress ticket from this seat in the 2022 elections. The BJP emerged victorious in Ramnagar, while the Congress candidate secured second place. Sanjay Negi, who contested as an Independent, came in third with 16,843 votes, highlighting his local support base and making his potential induction a sensitive issue.
Factional Divide Over Sanjay Negi's Induction
The party is now split into two camps regarding Negi's induction. One faction opposes his inclusion, while another group backs Harish Rawat's push for it. The situation escalated when former minister Harak Singh Rawat issued a statement that further fueled the fire. He remarked, "No one should be under the misconception that the party cannot win without him. A political party does not end if a person is there or not." This comment drew sharp criticism from other leaders.
Harish Dhami's Strong Rebuttal and Warning
Upset by Harak Singh Rawat's statement, three-time MLA from Dharchula, Harish Dhami, took to social media to voice his concerns. He reminded the party of the 2016 episode, when several Congress MLAs defected to the BJP, destabilizing the government. Dhami wrote, "Harak Singh Rawat's statement is condemnable. He had tried to destabilize the 2016 Congress government by joining the BJP. The party high command should remember that a person who has done such an act can repeat it." He even suggested that all supporters of Harish Rawat consider mass resignations, echoing past turmoil.
Other Leaders Join the Fray
The verbal tussle has drawn in other senior Congress figures, including Ganesh Godiyal, Govind Kunjwal, and Sanjay Negi himself, who have all entered the fray with their perspectives. This broadening involvement indicates that the conflict is not limited to a few individuals but reflects deeper organizational issues within the state unit.
BJP's Reaction and Analysis
Meanwhile, state BJP chief Mahendra Bhatt seized the opportunity to comment on the Congress's internal strife. He stated, "Differences among the state Congress top brass have yet again come before the people of Uttarakhand. The present situation in the Congress is an outcome of the decisions taken earlier by Harish Rawat." This remark underscores how the opposition is leveraging the infighting to its advantage, potentially impacting voter perception ahead of the 2027 polls.
The unfolding drama in Uttarakhand Congress highlights the challenges the party faces in presenting a united front as elections approach. With key leaders at odds and past betrayals resurfacing, the path to the 2027 assembly polls appears fraught with internal discord, which could influence the political landscape in the state.
