By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 11 Nov: With political activity gradually gathering pace ahead of the 2027 Uttarakhand Assembly elections, discussions within the Congress over its chief ministerial face have once again come to the fore. However, veteran Congress leader and former Chief Minister Harish Rawat has sought to shift the focus away from individual leadership ambitions, asserting that the party’s immediate objective is to secure a decisive mandate rather than engage in speculation over the chief ministerial post.
Responding to questions regarding his own prospects in the race for the top post, Rawat said the Congress needs to first cross the crucial mark of 45 seats in the Assembly. He added that the party’s priority should be to ensure a strong electoral performance and return to power in the state. He maintained that the question of who would become the CM would only arise after the party had secured the required numbers in the Assembly.
Rawat said that once Congress attains a clear majority and elects its legislators, the decision on leadership would rest with the party high command and Rahul Gandhi. His remarks underline the Congress leadership’s traditional position that the selection of a Chief Minister is ultimately a matter for the central leadership after the legislative party has been elected.
Reflecting on his own political journey, Rawat observed that the party had entrusted him with responsibilities both in government and in the organisation according to his capabilities. Expressing gratitude to the Congress leadership, he noted that he had already served in key roles in the past and had received ample opportunities to contribute. Indicating that the party possesses several other capable leaders, he remarked that the same coin cannot remain in circulation forever and that Congress has many competent individuals who can shoulder important responsibilities.
Political observers see Rawat’s statement as significant in the context of ongoing discussions within the party regarding future leadership in Uttarakhand. While such debates are not uncommon in the run-up to Assembly elections, Rawat has sought to project organisational unity as highest priority and discourage any premature contest over the chief ministerial face.
The former CM asserted that any discussions centred on a single individual before the elections can distract attention from the larger political challenge facing the party. Instead, he emphasised that Congress should concentrate on expanding its support base and winning the maximum number of seats. His comments reinforce the view that leadership issues should be resolved only after the electorate has delivered its verdict and a clear legislative mandate has emerged.
Rawat’s intervention comes at a time when Congress is seeking to strengthen its position ahead of the 2027 electoral battle.
