Former Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat has stepped down from key Congress positions following an Enforcement Directorate raid on his former OSD involving a 2016 recruitment scam.

  • Harish Rawat resigned from the Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee executive and CWC permanent invitee roles.
  • The ED seized assets worth ₹1.28 crore from the residence of his former OSD, Chandan Singh Jeena.
  • The investigation pertains to alleged irregularities in the 2016 Gram Panchayat Vikas Adhikari recruitment exam.
  • Rawat claims the action is an attempt to 'craft a narrative' ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a significant political development, former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat announced on Saturday his decision to step down from two major organizational roles within the Indian National Congress. Rawat has vacated his position on the executive of the Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee and his role as a permanent invitee member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC).

This sudden move follows intense scrutiny by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). On Friday, the agency conducted searches at multiple locations in Dehradun, including the residence of Chandan Singh Jeena, who served as Rawat's Officer on Special Duty (OSD) between 2014 and 2017.

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Details of the ED Raid

The ED's investigation centers on alleged irregularities during the 2016 Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC) Gram Panchayat Vikas Adhikari recruitment examination. According to official statements, the agency uncovered a scheme involving the diversion of OMR answer sheets and fraudulent alterations made by private agencies in exchange for illegal gratification.

During the search at Jeena's residence, investigators reportedly seized unaccounted cash amounting to ₹32 lakh, gold coins and chains weighing approximately 200.5 grams, and 12 luxury wristwatches. The total value of the seized and frozen assets is estimated at approximately ₹1.28 crore.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Rawat's resignation is a strategic attempt to insulate the Congress party from the fallout of the investigation. By stepping down, Rawat aims to prevent the ED's actions from being used as political ammunition to weaken the party's stance against corruption in Uttarakhand.

"This is an attempt to knock at the house of an associate to craft a narrative against me." - Harish Rawat

Rawat defended Jeena, describing him as a hardworking and noble individual, while simultaneously expressing his lack of faith in the allegations. He framed the investigation as a politically motivated move timed ahead of the 2027 Uttarakhand Assembly elections.

Historical Background

Harish Rawat has been a central figure in Uttarakhand politics for decades. During his tenure as Chief Minister (2014-2017), his administration focused heavily on state-level recruitment. While he highlighted that over 42,000 recruitments were made during his term, the current ED probe into the UKSSSC recruitment process casts a shadow over that period of governance.

Did You Know?: The UKSSSC was established specifically to streamline government recruitment for the youth of Uttarakhand.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did Harish Rawat resign from his Congress positions?
He resigned to ensure that the ED's action against his former aide does not weaken the Congress party's political fight against corruption.

2. What was the amount seized by the ED?
The ED seized assets worth approximately ₹1.28 crore, including cash, gold, and luxury watches.