Strongly disproving the prevalent notion and media reports on deep rooted factionalism within the Uttarakhand unit of Congress party, former Chief Minister and general secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) Harish Rawat has said that the party in the state is united. While responding to a question, Rawat told the media persons at state party office on Wednesday that the biggest example that the state unit of congress party is a cohesive unit was shown when Manish Khanduri was declared as candidate of party from Garhwal parliamentary constituency. “Within 48 hours of the announcement all the leaders of the congress party stood behind Khanduri. In my own case, I wanted ticket from Nainital- Udham Singh Nagar but many felt that I should contest from Haridwar. Everyone was with me within 24 hours of announcement,’’ he said.
Rawat however accepted that being a Democratic Party more than one leader become inspiration of workers in Congress. He also clarified that all Congress leaders in Uttarakhand are solidly behind PCC President Pritam Singh. “He (Pritam Singh) is young and capable leader,’’ quipped Rawat. The senior leader who also is a member of Congress Working Committee (CWC), the highest decision making body of Congress party said that the party leaders and workers should change to meet the new challenges.
On his part, the PCC president Pritam Singh who accompanied Rawat also claimed that Congress is united. “ we have an internal democracy in our party due to which difference of opinion come to fore but the party as a whole is united,’’ he added.
Singh said that in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, the real issues were visible nowhere and added that the BJP leaders have mastered the art of deception. “These are the people who have conveniently forgotten even Lord Ram after using his name to win elections earlier. Yes we were not able to explain our position and plans to the people and it is time for introspection,’’ he said.
Pritam Singh averred that though the Congress party has lost the elections, it is not dejected.