Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 5: Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat has been summoned to Delhi by Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal amid concerns within the party over his recent political activities and independent yatras in the state ahead of the Assembly elections.

Rawat, who recently recovered from an illness and returned to Uttarakhand, has stepped up his political outreach through a series of programmes, including a proposed 'Dhanyawad evam Jan Samvad Yatra' in the Kumaon region.

According to party sources, Venugopal has advised Rawat to maintain unity and coordinate his political activities with the party organisation instead of conducting programmes independently. The Congress leadership is understood to be concerned that such activities could affect the party's coordinated preparations for the upcoming elections.

The development follows a letter from Uttarakhand Congress in-charge Kumari Selja, who objected to Rawat's proposed yatra. Selja reportedly pointed out that the programme had not been discussed with either the Pradesh Congress Committee or the state leadership and asked Rawat not to proceed with it. She also stressed the need for party unity ahead of the elections.

Rawat had announced a programme covering areas including Jaspur, Kashipur, Ramnagar, Kaladhungi and Haldwani. Party sources said the Congress high command was keeping a close watch on political activities in Uttarakhand and was opposed to unilateral programmes by senior leaders at a time when the party is preparing for the Assembly polls.

Rawat's recent political outreach has also led to differences with Congress MLA Qazi Nizamuddin during his activities in Manglaur. Nizamuddin, who represents Manglaur, had earlier objected to a social media post by Rawat suggesting that the constituency was seeking change. Rawat subsequently said the post had been incorrectly worded by his social media handler and was removed shortly after being uploaded.

The latest action comes amid renewed political activity by Rawat ahead of the Uttarakhand Assembly elections. The veteran Congress leader has continued to engage with people across the state after returning from Delhi following his recovery.

The meeting with Venugopal is expected to focus on maintaining party unity and ensuring that Rawat's political programmes are aligned with the Congress's organisational strategy for the Uttarakhand polls.