Harish Rawat Quits Congress Posts After ED Seizes Cash, Gold

Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat has resigned from two key organisational positions in the Congress. This comes after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) recovered unaccounted cash, gold, and luxury watches from the residence of his former Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Chandan Singh Jeena.

Rawat stepped down from the Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) executive and relinquished his position as a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee (CWC) at the national level. The resignations came shortly after the ED conducted searches in Uttarakhand in connection with alleged irregularities in the 2016 Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC) Gram Panchayat Vikas Adhikari/Gram Sevak recruitment examination.

Rawat explained his decision, stating that he did not want any controversy surrounding him to weaken the Congress' fight against corruption. He also maintained that the move was intended to ensure that the allegations did not become a distraction for the party, particularly with the Uttarakhand Assembly elections approaching.

The ED conducted searches on or around September 10 at several locations in Dehradun under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Searches at Jeena’s residence led to the recovery of approximately ₹32 lakh in unaccounted cash, around 200.5 grams of gold, and 12 luxury watches. The agency also froze bank accounts belonging to Jeena and members of his family, with around ₹52 lakh reportedly held in those accounts.

The total value of assets seized or frozen in connection with Jeena has been reported at around ₹1.28 crore. The ED is probing allegations that OMR answer sheets were diverted or tampered with in exchange for illegal gratification. The searches extended beyond Jeena and reportedly covered former UKSSSC officials, a private computer agency involved in OMR processing, and alleged middlemen linked to the case.

Rawat defended Jeena, describing his former aide as a gentle, humble, and hardworking person. However, he said he would be ashamed if evidence eventually established that OMR sheets had been tampered with. Rawat stated that he had “absolutely no faith” in the allegation against Jeena at this stage.

The development comes as the Congress prepares for the upcoming Uttarakhand Assembly elections. Rawat's resignation is seen as a move to avoid any potential controversy that could impact the party's chances in the polls.

The ED's investigation into the 2016 UKSSSC recruitment examination is ongoing, and the agency is expected to file a chargesheet in the case soon. The Congress has maintained that it will cooperate with the investigation and ensure that those found guilty are brought to justice.

In the meantime, Rawat's resignation has sparked speculation about the potential implications for the Congress in Uttarakhand. The party is expected to face a tough challenge in the upcoming elections, and Rawat's decision may be seen as an attempt to mitigate any potential damage to the party's reputation.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Congress in tackling corruption and ensuring transparency within the party. As the party prepares for the upcoming elections, it will be crucial for it to demonstrate its commitment to accountability and good governance.

In conclusion, Harish Rawat's resignation from key Congress posts is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the 2016 UKSSSC recruitment examination. The ED's seizure of cash, gold, and luxury watches from Jeena's residence has raised questions about the potential involvement of Congress leaders in the alleged irregularities. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how the development will impact the Congress' chances in the upcoming Uttarakhand Assembly elections.