Rival UKD groups merge, Airy to lead new party

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 27

In an important political development, both factions of Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD) today joined hands and became a single entity. Kashi Singh Airy would be the president of the unified UKD. So far there were two factions UKD (Panwar) and UKD (Airy).

At a press conference held here today, UKD (Airy) president Kashi Singh Airy and UKD (Panwar) president Trivendra Singh Panwar jointly announced that there would be only one UKD in Uttarakhand now and the UKD (Airy). Kashi Singh Airy would now be the president of the united UKD.

Airy said a united UKD would be a formidable challenge for both BJP and Congress in Uttarakhand. He said the party would continue to take forward the dreams of state agitation martyrs. He said the party would continue with its struggle to make Gairsain the permanent capital of the state.

Airy said the UKD convention would be held in Dehradun on May19 and 20. He said Trivendra Singh Panwar would be the convener of the convention while Harish Chandra Pathak its co-convener.

Referring to Union Railway Budget, Airy said Uttarakhand had been ignored. He said the budget had not mentioned strengthening of the railway network in the state.

Trivendra Panwar, BD Raturi and Manmohan Lakhera were present.