DEHRADUN: The political temperature in Uttarakhand has soared to new heights as three former Chief Ministers had their say on independent MLA Umesh Kumar's explosive allegation in the state assembly. Kumar claimed that the Gupta brothers, who are South African businessmen, had conspired to topple the Dhami government with a bribe of ₹500 crore.
The sensational claim has sparked a political firestorm, with the three former CMs -- the BJP's Trivendra Singh Rawat and Ramesh Pokhariyal 'Nishank' and Congress' Harish Rawat -- weighing in on the issue, further fuelling the controversy.
Chief Minister Dhami has ordered an investigation into the matter, but the political temperature in the state has escalated sharply since two former BJP CMs and former Congress CM Harish Rawat demanded a thorough probe into the matter.
The BJP found itself in an uncomfortable position when its own former CM, Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank', demanded an investigation into the matter. The next day, another former CM from the party, Trivendra Singh Rawat, supported Nishank's statement at an event in Mussoorie, saying, "There is a state of confusion in the state. I fully agree with what Dr. Nishank said about the ₹500 crore bribery allegations to topple the government."
"The situation is becoming increasingly embarrassing for the party as no MLA has denied the allegations, either inside or outside the assembly, and the government has also remained silent. This silence could send a wrong message to the public," said Rawat.
Rawat expressed doubts over the credibility of MLA Umesh Kumar, who raised the issue, saying, "The person who has raised this matter is not a reliable or experienced individual. He has no connection with the concerns of Uttarakhand, but since the issue has been raised in the assembly and has become part of the house proceedings, he should also be asked to provide evidence."
Rawat added, "The state's intelligence machinery should be held accountable. The Speaker should have demanded proof in the matter. This is not a time for politics, but a test of the credibility of 70 MLAs in the state."
Congress leader and former CM Harish Rawat praised BJP's Nishank for his statement on the alleged scandal, writing on his Facebook page: "Kudos to you, Nishank ji! I saw your statement on the plot to topple the government, and I must say, you have shown great courage. You have clearly said that the conspiracy to topple the government should be exposed."