E-Paper
Harak Sing sworn in as cabinet minister in Uttarakhand
After months of political drama, senior Congress legislator Harak Singh Rawat, who had earlier said that he would not accept ministerial position was finally inducted as minister in Vijay Bahuguna cabinet on Friday.
After months of political drama, senior Congress legislator Harak Singh Rawat, who had earlier said that he would not accept ministerial position was finally inducted as minister in Vijay Bahuguna cabinet on Friday.
Rawat was administered oath as minister by Governor Aziz Qureshi at a brief function held at Raj Bhawan on Saturday. In the House of 70 legislators Uttarakhand can have 11 ministers and 10 of them were sworn in earlier. Despite pressure from various sections including one independent MLA, CM kept lone ministerial position vacant.
“Senior leaders convinced me that I have a long way to go and therefore I should accept (ministerial) position” Rawat told HT when asked what made him to backtrack from his decision. It is learnt flamboyant Rawat who was in the fray for Chief Ministerial position among others had claimed that he would not accept ministerial position, whatsoever.
“Sometime supporters pressure is so high that you are bound to bow” added Rawat.
In fact Rawat’s induction in Bahuguna cabinet comes at a time when date for Sitarganj by-poll has been announced from where CM is expected to contest. Political analysts suggest that before facing by-poll Bahuguna intends to ensure that everything goes smooth within the party.
“Soon all two and three time MLA will get red beckon positions while we will accommodate independent MLA Dinesh Dhane equivalent to cabinet minister’s rank” said CM while replying to a query whether he was mulling to adjust some more leftover MLA’s.
