DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand unit of the Congress party, which was hoping to bury the hatchet ahead of the 2027 assembly elections, finds itself battling an old adversary: internal factionalism.
What began as a 15-day "political sabbatical" announced by former Chief Minister Harish Rawat over the non-induction of Sanjay Negi—a former Block Pramukh from Ramnagar—has spiralled into an open confrontation within the party ranks.
The conflict intensified after former Cabinet Minister Harak Singh Rawat launched a stinging critique against the "cult of personality" surrounding Harish Rawat. His remarks have provoked an aggressive counter-offensive from the former CM’s loyalists, who view the slight against their leader as an affront to the party's foundation.
The backlash was spearheaded by Dharchula MLA Harish Dhami. In a scathing statement, Dhami invoked the 2016 political crisis, reminding the party high command of the past. "Harak Singh Rawat is the same individual who destabilized the Congress government in 2016 by orchestrating the defection of MLAs to the BJP," Dhami said.
"He committed the 'great sin' of defection in this Devbhoomi, which led to immense hardship for the party. The high command must remember that a person who can betray once is capable of doing it again," he said.
He added, "I urge all supporters of respected Harish Rawat: we must submit collective resignations to uphold his dignity. Where our leader goes, we go."
Later, former Assembly Speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal, a known Harish Rawat loyalist, claimed that the Congress is synonymous with Harish Rawat.
Harak Singh Rawat retaliated sharply, warning against the "delusion" that the party cannot survive without any single individual. "If I were to harbor the illusion that Congress cannot form a government without me, it would be my grave mistake," Harak Singh stated.
Taking a jab at the former CM, he added, "Harish Rawat has received everything from politics—Block Pramukh, MLA, MP, Union Minister, and Chief Minister. He has held every post except Prime Minister. His current dissatisfaction is beyond comprehension."
At the heart of the crisis is the stalled induction of former Ramnagar Block Pramukh Sanjay Negi. While six other leaders were inducted on March 28, Negi's entry was blocked due to opposition from certain factions.
Former MP Mahendra Pal has also publicly opposed Negi's return, further complicating the issue. Negi, however, remains defiant. "The decision rests with the high command. With my wife currently serving as the Block Pramukh in Ramnagar, my entry would guarantee a Congress victory in the constituency. I am capable of winning, and I have other paths open to me if needed," Negi remarked.
Senior leaders like Kunjwal demanded intervention from the "Delhi Durbar," which further highlighted the internal rift within the party.