Minister's death puts Rawat in replacement selection conundrum

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat was upset when his Cabinet colleague and state Transport and Social Welfare Minister Surendra Rakesh died of cancer on Saturday.

One major reason for the worry is that the death of Rakesh has occurred at a time when the ruling Congress is witnessing severe infighting. And the vacancy, caused by the death, has created an unpleasant situation before Rawat to choose the right candidate to fill the Cabinet berth. The ruling Congress is a divided house, with Rawat's predecessor Vijay Bahuguna putting pressure on the government. Bahuguna has also threatened to hold a 'janakrosh rally' against the government on February 15. He was recently denied the Rajya Sabha seat.

Rawat also have to choose a candidate shortly to contest from Bhagwanpur constituency in Haridwar district, which was represented by Rakesh. Though Rakesh was a member of the Progressive Democratic Front, a political organisation of independent members of legislative Assembly (MLAs) who are sharing power with the Congress-led government in the state, he was expelled by the Bahujan Samaj Party last year for anti-party activities.

However, Rawat is refraining from commenting on the issue. "All the issues will be decided by the party high command," said state Congress President Kishore Upadhayay.

The party sources, however, said a host of party MLAs, such as Subodh Unniyal, Nav Prabhat, Hira Singh Bist, Shailendra Mohan Singhal, have started lobbying to get the Cabinet berth. It is also not yet clear whether Bahuguna would also become a minister. A senior Congress leader said, "If Babu Lal Guar can become minister under Shivraj Singh, why can't Bahuguna work under Rawat."

Rawat has convened a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday to decide the issues.

This will also put an end to the infighting in the party, said another party leader. Bahuguna is keeping his cards close to chest at the moment.

On the other hand, Upadhayay also indicated all the issues concerning the death of Rakesh are not easy to handle. "See, all these issues will have to be solved at the highest level," said Upadhayay.

Meanwhile, Rawat has convened a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday to decide the issues being raised by Bahuguna.