Infighting in Ukhand Cong, leaders pin hope on high command

Amid the infighting in Uttarakhand Congress, party leaders are hoping that the high command will shift its attention to the crisis-ridden unit, which recently saw the resignation of the PCC chief.

Yashpal Arya's resignation last week was seen by some as proof of the internal rift growing within Congress, but others felt the step was taken to put to rest the rumour that there is going to be a leadership change in the coming days, party sources said.

The section of the party supporting Union Minister Harish Rawat is in favour of leadership change, as they believe the Vijay Bahuguna government's alleged failure in handling the recent calamity in the state may impact the Lok Sabha poll results if the leadership is not changed, the sources said.

They said the Congress High command is thinking of relieving Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna of his responsibilities.

However, Bahuguna's supporters said there is no such move being planned by the party high command.

"The talks about the change in leadership in the state are mere rumours and hold no relevance," vice-president of Uttarkhand Congress Suryakant Dhasmana said.

He said it is necessary to concentrate on the development of state than on these issues.

The Congress High Command has asked the groups within the party to resolve their differences before the Lok Sabha polls, PCC sources said.