CBI inquiry part of political persecution by Centre: Rawat

Talking to a select group of journalists here, Rawat said that while he was being repeatedly summoned by the CBI for questioning, the other dramtis personae in the episode – Umesh Sharma, the head of Samachar Plus news channel –was not even named in the case registered in the matter.

 “It’s seldom that a sting is conducted, the CD is immediately taken cognizance by the Centre and dismissal of a government ordered. It was all done with a design on the direction of the forces out to destabilise the elected government of Uttarakhand,” said Rawat, adding that the sting CD was distorted as it did not contain the full interview where he allegedly asked Sharma to leave and let Rawat fight his own battle.

 Rawat also ruled out charges of corruption against the Congress government in the Himalayan state. “The charges of corruption against my government are regarding the sale of liquor in the state. I took a policy decision to transfer sale of liquor in the state from private hands to government-run agencies. My role ended there. Its implementation, in which BJP has alleged malpractice, was responsibility of the minister concerned. Who incidentally has now joined the BJP. They can have an internal inquiry and find the truth,” quipped the reinstated chief minister of Uttarakhand.

 On what made the rebels quit the party and join opposition BJP, Rawat said, “Their motivation was something which went beyond the visible political agenda.” The chief minister said he ensured that development projects recommended by his predecessor Vijay Bahuguna were sanctioned and implemented on priority. “There was also an understanding that he (Vijay Bahuguna) would be sent to Rajya Sabha but he still orchestrated the rebellion only shows that their consideration was something other than any political reason,” said the senior Congress leader.

 Rawat was reinstated last month as chief minister of Uttarakhand after a Supreme Court order in a case challenging dismissal of his government by the Centre. 

During the crisis Rawat drew his own roadmap, piloted his resources and remained steadfast despite immense pressure brought by the Centre including the threat of a CBI probe. Rawat had told the party top brass that political management be left to his skills and the Central leadership should focus on the legal battles. This was done effectively with former Union Minister Kapil Sibal and Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi repeatedly donning the robe to challenge the Centre’s moves inside courtrooms.