With Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, teetering on the verge of being removed, landing in Delhi, the state BJP dismissed any insinuation in this regard as mere speculation. As Rawat went into a huddle with BJP national president J.P. Nadda, Uttarakhand Education Minister Arvind Pandey termed Rawat’s removal as “people’s imagination”. Excerpts:
Q. How do you see the political crisis in Uttarakhand as the Chief Minister has been summoned by the high command in Delhi?
A: All that you are talking about is imagination, as the CM’s Delhi visit is not a new thing. This is an election year and our government in the state has presented a good budget. Gairsain has been elevated as commissionerate which was beyond people’s imagination. Every department has an increased budget. We have introduced some big schemes and as I said earlier, it’s an election year; so, some big decisions can also be taken, so it’s the CM’s responsibility to have consultation with the Central leadership and seek their blessings. This visit is part of this process.
Q. You are terming this political development as imagination, but the reality is that two observers—Raman Singh and Dushyant Gautam—were dispatched from Delhi and after a core group meeting, he (Trivendra Singh) was summoned on the very next day. Besides you, many ministers and MLAs have been camping in Delhi. Do you really think this is just imagination?
A: I want to tell you that within a month or two, our core committee meeting takes place and our state in-charge, along with a senior leader, is also take part in it. This is obvious. our budget session has just got over; we have made big announcements and some important announcements are in the offing; so, the CM’s visit to Delhi must be seen in this regard. As far as others’ presence in Delhi is concerned, I haven’t met any MLA or minister in Delhi. I myself have to go to Delhi to attend a wedding on a personal invitation.
Q. Central observers have submitted their report yesterday and Trivendra Singh Rawat has said in a TV byte that he has been summoned by the central leadership. Do you think all is well?
A: Trivendraji is our Chief Minister, he has said something which must be in his knowledge, best of my knowledge, the government, and organisation are together and we are working to fulfill all the expectations of the people of the state. Apart from this, everything is propaganda which is being spread by the Opposition because they don’t have any issue.
Q. Do you think Trivendra Singh Rawat will complete his five years term as CM?
A: Why not? People have given us a mandate for five years and our party will surely complete the five-year term.