The Congress will launch its campaign for the upcoming lok Sabha elections with the State Congress chief Yashpal Arya and Chief Minister Harish Rawat flagging off the party’s State-wide padyatra from Haridwar on Wednesday.
However, observers pointed out that the party might have to struggle to present a united face considering the incidents of infighting which were surfacing periodically at different levels in the party.
Announcing this Congress spokesman Dhirendra Pratap said, “A six-day long padyatra programme has been planned for Haridwar district which is considered the centre of communal harmony and brotherhood. It is also seen as the gateway to Uttarakhand. With the famous Ganga and various important shrines, the place is also a symbol of the State, which is the reason for the party’s decision to give it top priority for launching the party campaign. The padyatra will cover over a hundred kilometres and would conclude on March 21 with a three-day long break from March 17 due to the festival of Holi. The schedule for the campaign rally in other districts of the State has not been finalised yet, he added.
Pratap said small and large meetings and chaupals will be organised during the campaign rally for raising awareness about the achievements of the Central and State Governments. He welcomed Chief Minister’s declaration that the grievances of women Cabinet Ministers Indira Hridayesh and Amrita Rawat would be resolved soon.
Observers pointed out that the Congress would have to work for quelling dissatisfaction among the party leaders and members of various factions. The names of the Pradesh Congress Committee president and party candidates for the lS elections were expected to be announced soon and this might be followed by expression of dissatisfaction by those not given the party ticket for the Parliamentary polls.