Political fallout in Uttarakhand as Rawat quits Congress posts

Former Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat resigned from his positions in the State Congress Committee and the Congress Working Committee on September 12 after an Enforcement Directorate raid on his aide, Chandan Singh Jeena, yielded large sums of cash and jewellery.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) seized on the resignation, alleging that it was designed to conceal wrongdoing and calling for an immediate, thorough investigation. NDA leaders argued that Rawat’s long‑standing role in various Congress governments makes the seized assets a matter of serious concern.

Congress officials dismissed the allegations, claiming Rawat is being subjected to intimidation and pressure. They maintained that his resignation was a principled step, not a forced one.

JD(U) leader Rajiv Ranjan urged investigators to leave no stone unturned, describing the incident as a potential corruption case that warrants full legal scrutiny.

Dilip Jaiswal, a minister from Bihar, said the ED’s seizure is a routine part of the legal process and that the courts will determine the outcome.

Vishwas Sarang of Madhya Pradesh referred to the Congress as a “ship that sails with stubbornness,” suggesting that the party’s internal dynamics favour a narrow set of families.

Congress MP Imran Masood accused opponents of attempting to frighten Rawat, emphasizing that the recovered cash could belong to ordinary individuals and does not automatically imply a massive scandal.

Promod Tiwari praised Rawat’s move as a moral decision, stating that it sets an example of ethical conduct for party members.

The developments have heightened tensions in Uttarakhand’s political arena, with the NDA and Congress each positioning the incident to suit their narratives.