Current Summary
Former Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat, speaking during a visit to Haldwani, said he is inclined to contest the 2027 Assembly election from Khanpur in Haridwar district, saying constituents there had urged him to run, though he added the final decision rests with the Congress leadership. Khanpur is currently represented by Independent MLA Umesh Kumar, who as a journalist conducted the 2016 sting operation that contributed to the fall of Rawat's government, a defining episode in that political crisis. Rawat's remarks come as parties begin preparing for the 2027 polls; the Congress has made no formal announcement on candidates. Asked about tickets for his family members, Rawat defended their two decades of public work and their own connections with voters, and said defeating the BJP should be the party's priority, pledging support for 'whoever is the strongest candidate' against the ruling party.
What We Know
- Harish Rawat said he is inclined to contest the 2027 Assembly election from Khanpur in Haridwar district.
- He said the final decision on his seat rests with the Congress leadership.
- Khanpur is held by Independent MLA Umesh Kumar, who led the 2016 sting operation that contributed to the fall of Rawat's earlier government.
- Rawat defended his family members' political work amid questions about dynastic politics.
What Is Still Unclear
- Whether the Congress leadership will approve Rawat's request to contest from Khanpur.
- Whether any family members of Rawat will receive Congress tickets in 2027.
What Changed
- 27 Oct, 03:31 pmSignal detected: Harish Rawat Says He Wants to Contest 2027 Polls From Khanpur
Background
Harish Rawat was Uttarakhand chief minister until 2016, when his government fell amid a political crisis following a sting operation implicating several MLAs; Umesh Kumar, then a journalist, played a key role in that episode and now holds the Khanpur seat as an Independent MLA.