Uttarakhand NCP chief, partymen join Cong

Meanwhile, Lt Gen Gambhir Singh Negi, a former commandant of the Indian Military Academy and head of the state Public Service Commission, also joined the Congress.

Dhasmana was heading the state unit of the NCP since 2002 and had damaged the prospects of the ruling Congress in the February 2007 Assembly polls by cutting into crucial Congress vote bank in six Assembly segments. 8220;We have no grudges against the NCP, but in Uttarakhand we are unable to do much except divide the secular votes,8221; he said.

8220;While Dhasmana is a established political force, the entry of Lt Gen retd Negi would help win votes of Armymen and ex-servicemen,8221; claimed Congress candidate Satpal Maharaj.