Tiwari exit leaves field open in Cong state unit

Congress politics in Uttarakhand, ever since the formation of the hill state in 2000, has revolved around N D Tiwari. A political heavyweight, Tiwari has served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh four times and also headed several Union ministries at the Centre.

After the first Uttarakhand Assembly polls in 2002, Congress President Sonia Gandhi asked Tiwari to head the Government in the new state. This brought him in direct confrontation with Harish Rawat, the state Congress chief and archrival from his native Kumoan region.

Rawat, who led the Congress party to victory in the 2002 Assembly polls, was sidelined to pave the way for Tiwari. During five years of Congress rule, Rawat could not do much except sulk along with his loyal legislators.

In February 2007, the Congress was voted out of power. Soon, there was speculation that Tiwari would be sent as Governor and there would be a change of guard in Uttarakhand Congress leadership.

Tiwari loyalists pressed for Rawat8217;s ouster, blaming him for the party8217;s defeat. The Rawat camp, on the other hand, argued that it had been a Tiwari show all the way and only the former CM could be blamed for the party8217;s poor showing. Even six months after the poll debacle, the Congress high command is non-committal on removing Harish Rawat due to its limited options.

Now, with Tiwari away from active politics, the Harish Rawat camp is elated. Since most Congress legislators owe their allegiance to Rawat, who also exercises a firm grip over the party organisation in the state, his detractors would find it extremely difficult to dislodge him.

Three senior leaders8212;MP Vijay Bahuguna, former state minister and close aide of Tiwari, Indira Hridayesh, and godman-cum-politician Satpal Maharaj8212;are in the race for the party chief8217;s post.

The exit of Tiwari, who was holding the balance in the state Congress, can also make way for new alignments within the party.

However, leaders are wary of his plans after the veteran leader8217;s parting comment: 8220;It is not the end, just part of politics.8221;