Uttarakhand crisis: Congress moves HC, challenges President’s rule

The political crisis in Uttarakhand escalated two days ago, after rebel Congress MLAs released a sting video allegedly showing CM Harish Rawat indulging in horse-trading to save his government.

The Uttarakhand Congress on Monday moved the High Court in Nainital against the imposition of President’s rule in the state. In a writ filed before the court, the party pointed out that President’s rule was not justified, when Harish Rawat was asked to seek trust vote on the floor of the house on Monday.

Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat addresses the media outside the Assembly in Dehradun. (PTI Photo)

Sources in Nainital informed that the High Court has accepted the writ and that it is being heard in the court of Justice UC Dhyani.

The political crisis in Uttarakhand escalated two days ago, after rebel Congress MLAs released a sting video allegedly showing CM Harish Rawat indulging in horse-trading to save his government. The union cabinet recommended the central rule on Saturday night after an hour-long meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rawat, after the unceremonial exit from the government on Sunday, hinted that the party would challenge the court’s decision. “The BJP has conspired to kill the democracy and an elected government. The party has full faith in the judicial system and we are seeking justice from the court,” said party vice president Jot Singh Bisht said

On Sunday night, former CM Rawat with half a dozen legislators including former minister Indra Hridyesh called on Governor KK Paul and requested for a chance to prove majority on the floor of the house on Monday.

BJP legislators, who were camping in Jaipur, will return to Dehradun on Monday.