Cong ally threatens to withdraw support in Uttarakhand

Withdrawal of support by UKD may not affect the stability of the Bahuguna government, as the ruling Congress has 33 seats in the 70-member state

 

Ruling Congress’ ally in Uttarakhand, Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD), on Monday threatened to withdraw support from it, if the Vijay Bahuguna government did not initiate steps before the month’s end to address “real issues” confronting the state such as the cut-off date for domiciles.

UKD President Trivendra Singh Panwar said he had sent a letter to the chief minister and Pradesh Congress chief Yashpal Arya, accusing them of not being serious about resolving real issues facing the state. The letter seeks to remind the two leaders of the issues over which a consensus was reached between the two parties in power 11 months ago, he said.

Disclosing the contents of his letter, Panwar said both Bahuguna and Arya had been asked to initiate a dialogue with their party over issues raised by UKD and adopt a positive approach to their resolution by the end of this month failing which the UKD would consider withdrawing support from the government.

Among the issues underlined by the UKD are declaring the year 1950 as the cut-off date for domiciles in the state and bringing into force article 371 in Uttarakhand on the lines of Himachal Pradesh to control sale and purchase of land and put an end to reservation in promotion.

UKD shares power with the Congress in Uttarakhand with the party’s lone MLA from Yamunotri seat in Uttarkashi district Pritam Singh Panwar being the Urban Development Minister in Bahuguna’s Cabinet.

However, withdrawal of support by UKD may not affect the stability of Bahuguna government, as the ruling Congress has 33 seats in the 70-member state Assembly and also enjoys the support of three BSP MLAs and as many Independents. UKD’s lone minister Pritam Singh Panwar was suspended by the party’s executive committee last month on charges of working against the party’s official nominee in Tehri Lok Sabha by-poll.