Harish Rawat’s ‘leave’ remark amid rift over one family rule

April 15, 2026

Amid the tug-of-war in Uttarakhand Congress, former CM Harish Rawat’s social media post has once again revealed his intentions. Sharing a photo with state Congress president Ganesh Godiyal, Rawat broke his silence and launched a sharp attack on those opponents who are targeting him within the party.

Harish Rawat wrote:

‘Took 15 days of earned leave, many colleagues got very upset’

Rawat’s post has come at a time when just three days ago, Congress state in-charge Kumari Selja had reiterated the ‘one family, one ticket’ formula in Dehradun. Selja had categorically dismissed reports of Rawat’s displeasure and advised that leaders should work as ‘soldiers of the organization’ rather than as ‘individuals’.

‘Took 15 days off, and the missiles started flying’

Harish Rawat, sharing his woes in a sarcastic tone, wrote that when a worker who has been continuously working at the age of 79 takes just 15 days off, many colleagues became deeply upset.

Rawat alleged that several ‘bombs, grenades, and missiles’ were fired targeting him. Rawat put an end to the rumors linking his name with the statements given by Bhavna Pandey against Ganesh Godiyal. He said:

Mr. Ganesh Godiyal is a bright leader of my party and the state’s future. In 2016, in the battle to save democracy, he stood on the front lines. I understand the value of gratitude.

Clarified the status of relationship with Bhavna Pandey

Regarding his relationship with Bhavna Pandey, Rawat said that he knows her only as a struggling woman from Uttarakhand. He is grateful for her help during the Lalkuan elections, but after that, there has been no political relation.

Rawat stated that he had advised Bhavna Pandey to do social work by following in the footsteps of Mata Mangala Ji.

Hurt by the ‘siege’ within the party

Rawat clearly said that those who are linking his name with Bhavna Pandey’s statements are not only hurting him but also causing significant damage to Ganesh Godiyal and the Congress Party.

He concluded with his signature style of irony, writing–The rest of the wisdom was like before.