Tirath Singh Rawat sworn in as new CM of Uttarakhand

DEHRADUN: After being named as the new chief minister (CM) by BJP, Lok Sabha member of Pauri Garhwal, Tirath Singh Rawat took oath as new chief minister in Governor house in Dehradun on Wednesday evening.

Rawat, whose name sprung as a surprise to end the speculations on the new CM face by BJP leadership, is yet to decide on his cabinet. He said it will be decided in a day or two after consultation.

After taking the oath in presence of Governor Baby Rani Maurya, Rawat expressed his gratitude to the party central leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, home minister Amit Shah and party national president JP Nadda.

“I am very thankful to the party to give me this important responsibility. I will work for the state by taking the people along for comprehensive development by working on development programmes mainly on education, health, tourism among others,” said Rawat.

On forming the new cabinet, he said, “It will be done after consulting with the central leadership over the next couple of days.” Rawat will have a tenure of about a year before the next assembly elections in 2022. Considering the recent differences in the party’s state unit, it won’t be an easy one as he would have the challenge to pacify the section of MLAs who had expressed their resentment against former CM Trivendra Singh Rawat leading to his resignation. However, Rawat while speaking to the media persons claimed that there are “no differences in the party.” “There is no resentment in the party and all are together to fight the 2022 elections which we are sure to win,” said Rawat.

Party MP from Nainital-US Nagar constituency Ajay Bhatt too refuted the reports of any difference within the party and said, “The change in leadership would be in benefit of the people of the state.”

“Trivendra Singh Rawat himself tendered his resignation and could soon be given a responsibility in the central leadership. As party members we all are in the same boat with no differences,” said Bhatt. Party MLA Vishan Singh Chuphal, who had earlier expressed his unhappiness against Trivendra Singh Rawat’s style of working before the central leadership said the “change is good for the people of the state.” “The new CM is a softspoken and humble person who will listen to the issues of people in the state which would benefit the party in 2022 elections. He would carry forward the various development programmes in the state,” said Chuphal.

After his swearing in, senior BJP leaders congratulated him and there were celebrations at many party offices in the state. Many senior BJP leaders at the national level also congratulated Rawat on social media.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Congratulations to Shri @TIRATHSRAWAT on taking oath as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand. He brings with him vast administrative and organisational experience. I am confident under his leadership the state will continue to scale new heights of progress”. Rawat, an MP from Garhwal and former state BJP president and state education minister, has participated in the Ram Janambhumi agitation and spent two months in jail. He has also actively participated in the agitation for statehood of Uttarakhand and taken out foot marches.