The war of words between two political stalwarts and former Chief Ministers Harish Rawat and Bhagat Singh Koshyari in which they are taking potshots at each other with statements dripping in rustic earthy humour is adding spice to the grim political battle of Uttarakhand in the ensuing Lok Sabha polls.

The war of words between two veterans started when Koshyari termed Harish Rawat as Harada (Loser). Harish Rawat is affectionately referred as ‘Harda’ by his supporters.  By ‘Harada’ Koshyari wanted to remind Harish Rawat the ignominious defeats he received during assembly elections of 2017 from both the seats he contested.

The indomitable Rawat returned the favour by referring Koshyari as an ‘ Ujyadu Buld’ which in local dialect means a Bull who has the habit of entering farms and destroying crops of farmers.

Rawat used this sobriquet for Koshyari as it was he who allegedly played a key role in precipitating a major coup in Congress when Harish Rawat was Chief Minister.

Not to be left behind, Koshyari known for his sharp wit retorted by terming Harish Rawat as ‘ Yakulu Banar’  which means a lone monkey who has been disowned from troop. 

By this cutting remark Koshyari attacked Rawat for being alone in his party as most of the top leaders of Congress have migrated to BJP. Reacting to the lone monkey barb, Harish Rawat on Saturday said that everyone knows that a lone monkey named Hanuman gutted the majestic Lanka of mighty Rawana.

He then compared Koshyari with a ‘ Bhega Ghughuta’  — the dove which has become damp hence unable to fly- who has become useless.  With this gibe, Rawat aims to remind Koshyari that he is a spent force now as BJP has denied ticket to him.

Political observers opine that people of the Uttarakhand are enjoying the sweet battle between two war horses.

“It shows their grip on local dialect and connect with the masses which is rare among leaders of current generation,’’ said a senior journalist.