Congress leader Harish Rawat misses organisational review meeting by KC Venugopal in Dehradun; cites health reasons

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], July 10 (ANI): All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal held a series of back-to-back organisational meetings in Dehradun on Thursday, while former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Harish Rawat did not attend any of the sessions.
The absence of veteran Congress leader Harish Rawat from the organisational meetings held by AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal has become a subject of political interest.
Speaking to ANI over the phone, Harish Rawat's office said that the former Chief Minister is currently out of Dehradun undergoing naturopathy treatment.
The office added that Rawat had informed AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal in advance about his inability to attend the meetings.
Meanwhile, Venugopal began his two-day visit to Uttarakhand on Thursday and held a series of back-to-back meetings with Congress leaders throughout the day as part of the party's organisational exercise.
KC Venugopal held a detailed review meeting, further reinforcing the party at the booth level and strategies to effectively raise issues concerning public welfare.
Meanwhile, before the meeting, senior leaders of the Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee accorded a warm welcome to K.C. Venugopal and presented him with a sacred replica representing the revered Char Dham, a symbol of Uttarakhand's faith and cultural heritage.
Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee President Ganesh Godiyal, reflecting on the party's organisational momentum as they prepare for the electoral battle, said, with a strong organisation, dedicated party workers, and the trust of the people, the Congress is confident of entering the upcoming elections with renewed strength and determination.
He was welcomed at the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) headquarters upon his arrival. Venugopal also garlanded the statue of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
AICC incharge of Uttarakhand, Kumari Selja, said that Venugopal held meetings with party leaders and also gathered feedback about the party's preparations.
"He will also convey a message from the party to everyone. With the elections approaching, the party needs to work hard at the grassroots level," she said.
"We will discuss local issues and the flawed policies of the BJP government. Given the government's track record over this period, public sentiment has turned strongly against them wherever one goes in the field. Whether in Uttarakhand or UP, the BJP engages in politics in the name of God. Yet, thefts are occurring at temples right under their noses, be it the theft of gold or temple offerings. The BJP's true face is being revealed to the public," she added.
On July 10, Venugopal will meet senior party leaders.
Meanwhile, ahead of Venugopal's visit, Uttarakhand Congress expelled Mahendra Lunthi, Bhavana Nagarkoti, and Deepak Lunthi from primary membership of the party for six years for alleged "anti-party activities and gross indiscipline" after indiscipline on stage during the Parivartan Sankalp Conference held in Pithoragarh on June 30.
Congress is looking for a revival in Uttarakhand after losing the last two Assembly elections. (ANI)