Harish Rawat’s show of strength is bid to regain lost respect: Suresh Joshi

my uttarakhand news Bureau

DEHRADUN, 19 Sep: The BJP on Saturday ridiculed veteran Congress leader Harish Rawat’s forthcoming programme and road show, asking whether it is a show of strength in support of corruption or an attempt to reclaim lost respect within the Congress. Chief party spokesperson Suresh Joshi on Saturday claimed that the Congress party wants to rid itself of Rawat, while the people want to rid themselves of Congress. Joshi also asserted that such demonstrations will have no impact on the 2027 results, as the saffron wave is certain to sweep across Uttarakhand from Kumaon to Garhwal.

In a statement to the media, Joshi launched a scathing attack on the internal struggle within Congress. He said that Rawat, who rose politically from Kumaon, has contested dozens of elections between 1991 and 2026 and lost most of them, winning only one by‑poll from Dharchula while serving as Chief Minister. This, he said, reflects his weak ground position. Since 1991, the BJP has consistently dominated Kumaon. Joshi added that Congress has sidelined Rawat, recognising that it cannot rely on an ageing leader, though Rawat still continues to fight for his relevance.

Joshi questioned whether the forthcoming event is a show of strength in support of corruption or merely an attempt to regain respect within Congress. He asked if it is an internal battle for dominance ahead of the Assembly elections. Joshi reminded that Rawat himself has said he will not hold any posts but will continue to fight, yet investigations against him began as early as 2016 and several cases are well known. He claimed that the Congress clearly wants to distance itself from Rawat but the former CM seems intent on waging a battle within his own party.

Joshi asserted that the BJP government will not tolerate corruption of any kind, with investigating agencies conducting impartial inquiries and delivering decisions. He said the Congress is embroiled in factional battles and power struggles, while the BJP stands in a strong position in the state. Rawat’s programmes and demonstrations will not affect the BJP, which is poised to win the upcoming Assembly elections with a large majority, Joshi claimed.