Uttarakhand Congress netas put up united face

The Uttarakhand Congress tried to put down the factionalism in the party by holding a meeting of the top leaders in Delhi in the presence of AICC state in-charge Devendra Yadav.
The Congress’ efforts in the hill state coincides with it’s attempt to present a united face in Punjab.

Former chief minister Harish Rawat, leader of opposition in the assembly Indira Hridyesh and state party chief Pritam Singh on Monday held a meeting in New Delhi with Yadav on finalising the roadmap for the state elections next year.

At the meeting, the party leaders discussed the strength and weaknesses in different parts of the state, besides selection process for the candidates in the 70 assembly seats. Sources said the party has already shortlisted candidates for most of the 70 assembly seats.

The party is also weighing whether or not to form a campaign committee. It is likely to take a decision on having a collective leadership or promoting someone as a face of the party’s campaign.

“I have toured 80% of the assembly constituencies and the party has shortlisted candidates for a good number of seats. We will be starting a campaign process the moment there is some relief in the Covid-19 situation,” Yadav told ET over the phone.

The Congress leaders are likely to hold another meeting on Saturday. The party wants to give the final shape to its election strategy at the earliest possible in the state.

The Congress will also have to find a candidate to contest against MP-turned-CM Tirath Singh Rawat. Rawat, who is not a legislator at present, still has to declare the constituency from where he will contest.