Rawat seeks meet with Congress brass as Kumari Selja slams his yatra plan

File photo: Ex-Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat

NEW DELHI: With return of rumblings in Uttarakhand Congress on the eve of assembly elections, former CM Harish Rawat has sought time with party brass to clarify his “thanksgiving yatra” in the wake of AICC’s strong censure.A terse letter by Kumari Selja, AICC in-charge of state, has dubbed Rawat’s yatra as a “parallel programme” that is not in Congress’ interest. She has said the party must put up a “united front” ahead of the polls. Crucially, she also underlined to Rawat that his yatra has neither been approved by her nor by the state president, and he has made some controversial statements recently.Sources said Rawat, while going ahead with his yatra, has responded to the letter and urged an appointment. They said a discussion may be held between Rawat and Selja this week, possibly Wednesday or Thursday, after the demonstration against the EC in Dehradun.Rawat’s sudden embarking on a yatra has stumped the party as the notoriously factionalised state unit has managed to put a united front in recent months. The party brass have been undertaking solo public outreach and holding joint programmes amid strong optimism that Congress is well placed to oust the ruling

BJP from power in the hill state.In the current leadership structure, Rawat has been forced to cede ground to younger leaders.Perturbed, party sources told TOI that AICC censure made it clear to Rawat that his yatra has not gone unnoticed. While the party does not want to force the issue, it is learnt to have been inundated with complaints.“The party is firm that Rawat will have to follow the discipline and toe the official campaign programme,” a senior manager said.