Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Harish Rawat has resigned from all party positions. This decision comes after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided the premises of his former colleague and personal assistant, Chandan Singh Jeena. Rawat expressed his views on social media, stating that his actions should not weaken the Congress party’s fight.
The ED conducted searches at several locations, including Dehradun, in connection with alleged irregularities in the Uttarakhand Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UKSSSC) 2016 Gram Panchayat Development Officer examination. According to the agency, approximately ₹32 lakh in unaccounted cash, approximately 200.5 grams of gold, and 12 expensive watches were recovered from Chandan Singh Jeena’s residence. Additionally, approximately ₹52.16 lakh in bank accounts belonging to Jeena and his family has also been frozen.
Following this action, Harish Rawat clarified his position, stating that the truth behind the allegations regarding the seizures from his associate’s home will be revealed after an investigation. Rawat also questioned the allegations against Chandan Jina, stating that he does not believe them. He also stated that if any lapses are proven on his part, he should be held accountable.
Harish Rawat’s decision has created a stir in Uttarakhand Congress politics. However, the investigation into the ED’s action and the seized assets is still ongoing, and the seizures cannot be interpreted as a conviction of any individual. Further action by the investigating agencies and the emerging facts in the entire matter will be closely monitored.