DEHRADUN: Hopeful of regaining the lost ground in Uttarakhand after having faced several desertions in recent days, the Congress, is all set to release its first list candidates for the upcoming polls. Fifty to 55 names have been finalised for this list that is expected to be released on Wednesday.
Speaking to The New Indian over desertions, Uttarakhand Congress spokesperson Dr Pratima Singh said, “Congress is the only political party that practices internal democracy. And when you have that you have freedom of expression, leaders will raise their concerns. But that does not mean that there are internal differences or rift. Whoever is leaving the party (in the current scenario) are only thinking about themselves.”
Talking about Sarita Arya, who quit Congress and joined BJP, Singh said, “She was given vast opportunities in the party and was also heading the women wing of state unit.” By taking the stand of leaving the party, she has only thought of herself, Singh said.
The Congress leader said that Uttarakhand and the country is facing a lot of issues due to BJP.
She also accused the BJP of dividing the country. “Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Congress leaders are fighting for the country. In fact, our leader has made it clear that anyone fighting against the BJP is welcome in our party.”
Answering queries on the likelihood of the first list of candidates to be released in Uttarakhand, given that less than a month is left for the assembly polls, Singh said, “The process of nominations will start from January 21. The state leadership has held several round of screening committee meetings to discuss the candidates. A CEC meeting has already taken place in Delhi earlier and tomorrow another round of CEC meeting is scheduled to be held in Delhi. So, by Wednesday evening, we can expect the first list of candidates to be out.”
The Congress leader said that candidature for 50 to 55 seats out of 70 have been discussed and a consensus on that has been met.
When asked about the issues that the party will be raising in the state, she said, “Migration is one of the biggest issues of the state. During Covid pandemic last year, we saw how reverse migration took place. It was Congress which asked the government to arrange for work and their food so that they don’t need to go back in search of work.”
“But the government was not in position to reinstate them or provide them jobs. The BJP was unable to work because there were internal rifts within BJP as we all saw that three chief ministers were changed in the state despite they won 57 out of 70 seats in the state,” she attacked.
“The issue of inflation, NH74 scam, Covid testing scam is out there for everyone to see and the Congress will raising all these issues,” she added.
The Congress leader said that the party is receiving a positive response from the people and “we are hopeful that we will form government in the state”.
The Congress which was badly decimated by the BJP in 2017 assembly elections is looking for a comeback in 70 member Uttarakhand legislative assembly.
Voting in Uttarakhand is scheduled to take place on February 14 in single phase and counting of votes will take place on March 10.