Pithoragarh MLA demands resignation of state Cong chief

Pithoragarh: Local MLA Mayukh Mahar has demanded the resignation of Uttarakhand Congress chief Karan Mahara, alleging misbehaviour during the local body elections in Jan. The demand came during former chief minister Harish Rawat's recent visit to Pithoragarh to pacify Mahar, who has been upset over the party's ticket distribution during the Pithoragarh mayoral elections.Rawat, on a three-day tour of Pithoragarh to mobilise party workers ahead of the 2027 state assembly elections, met with Mahar in an attempt to defuse tensions. At a meeting of Congress workers on Saturday, Rawat called for party unity. In response, Mahar alleged that Mahara had made derogatory remarks about the people of Pithoragarh, which he said were unacceptable. "I am still technically with the Congress, but I'm tired of being ignored. I will only return if Mahara either resigns or apologises to the people of Pithoragarh," he said.Mayukh also recalled his tenure as zila panchayat chairman when Champawat and Pithoragarh were a single district. Warning of further action if the issue remains unresolved, he said he would be forced to field his own candidates in all six seats across the two districts. "Hum to doobenge sanam, tumhein bhi le doobenge (If I go down, I'll take you down with me)," he remarked.The discord stems from the Jan mayoral polls, where Mahar had pushed for a ticket for his preferred candidate, Vinita Mahar. However, the party fielded Anju Lunthi instead. Taking it as a matter of personal prestige, Mahar backed Vinita as an independent candidate.During the campaign, a heated exchange took place between Mahara and Mayukh. Following this, the state party chief recommended Mahar's expulsion from the Congress to the AICC for alleged indiscipline. In turn, Mahar has accused Mahara of sidelining local workers and disrespecting the sentiments of the Pithoragarh residents.Pithoragarh: Local MLA Mayukh Mahar has demanded the resignation of Uttarakhand Congress chief Karan Mahara, alleging misbehaviour during the local body elections in Jan. The demand came during former chief minister Harish Rawat's recent visit to Pithoragarh to pacify Mahar, who has been upset over the party's ticket distribution during the Pithoragarh mayoral elections.Rawat, on a three-day tour of Pithoragarh to mobilise party workers ahead of the 2027 state assembly elections, met with Mahar in an attempt to defuse tensions. At a meeting of Congress workers on Saturday, Rawat called for party unity. In response, Mahar alleged that Mahara had made derogatory remarks about the people of Pithoragarh, which he said were unacceptable. "I am still technically with the Congress, but I'm tired of being ignored. I will only return if Mahara either resigns or apologises to the people of Pithoragarh," he said.Mayukh also recalled his tenure as zila panchayat chairman when Champawat and Pithoragarh were a single district. Warning of further action if the issue remains unresolved, he said he would be forced to field his own candidates in all six seats across the two districts. "Hum to doobenge sanam, tumhein bhi le doobenge (If I go down, I'll take you down with me)," he remarked.The discord stems from the Jan mayoral polls, where Mahar had pushed for a ticket for his preferred candidate, Vinita Mahar. However, the party fielded Anju Lunthi instead. Taking it as a matter of personal prestige, Mahar backed Vinita as an independent candidate.During the campaign, a heated exchange took place between Mahara and Mayukh. Following this, the state party chief recommended Mahar's expulsion from the Congress to the AICC for alleged indiscipline. In turn, Mahar has accused Mahara of sidelining local workers and disrespecting the sentiments of the Pithoragarh residents.