CM admits mistake, pacifies others over Tamta

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, May 31

Chief Minister Harish Rawat today admitted that he had committed an error by not taking the opinion of others on the candidature of Pradeep Tamta for the Rajya Sabha seat, which had drew opposition by his own party man Yashpal Arya and PDF member Dinesh Dhanai.

Taking the blame on himself and absolving the PCC and the CLP, Rawat said, “It is my mistake that we did not consult the PDF. As the Chief Minister, I should have done it. It is good they pointed out our mistake. We will take corrective measures and develop a mechanism in which every body is involved in the decision-making,” he said, while addressing mediapersons after filing of nomination papers by Tamta.

Rawat said after this episode, the party and the government had emerged stronger and were ready to face challenges.

In a reply to a question whether there was pressure on him to yield to the demands of his men, especially in the light of the recent transfers, Rawat said, “These transfers were routine and not carried under pressure. There was no pressure exerted on me but only discussions were held on various issues,” clarified Rawat.

He also said senior Congress leader and Revenue Minister Yashpal Arya was the soul of the party and brushed aside any speculations regarding his exit from the party on the issue of Tamta’s candidature.

On being charged with favouring leaders from Kumaon over leaders from Garhwal, Rawat said, “One should stop viewing the appointments solely from the separate prism of Garhwal and Kumaon,” said Rawat. He also hinted at the possible Cabinet expansion.

Speaking about his invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kedarnath, Rawat said he had requested the PM to visit the Kedarnath shrine now. “Two years ago, he was in an election mode, it is better that he visits the state now.”