Uttarakhand political crisis: Harish Rawat govt indulged in corrupt practices like 'Baghdadis', says BJP

Dehradun: The ongoing political crisis in Uttarakhand took a fresh twist on Wednesday when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that the government headed by Congress chief minister Harish Rawat had indulged in corrupt practices like 'Baghdadis'.

Uttarakhand BJP president Ajay Bhatt told ANI that the Congress legislators were minting money, adding that former chief minister Harish Rawat had turned a blind eye towards such corrupt activities.

"The way the previous government here was supporting corrupt activities and land and liquor mafias is something which the terrorists do. 'Bagdadis' behave in such a manner," said Bhatt.

"I have heard that all types of illegal business which strengthened its roots in the state have been uprooted in the past 14 days. The state has made a profit of 100 crore. What does this disclose? This proves that the Harish Rawat government was earning Rs. 30-40 crore daily and this money was being credited into the pockets of the Congress MLAs and their friends instead of going into the government's account," he added.

The Uttarakhand BJP chief further said that his party would abide by the High Court's decision over the ongoing political crisis in the state.

"If the High Court wants to revoke the President's rule, we will certainly agree to it. But the Congress cannot form its government in Uttarakhand again as it has failed to prove its majority in the state. Moreover, the accusations of horse trading and promoting illegal business in the state have made it aptly clear that they do not deserve to rule Uttarakhand," he said.

The Uttarakhand High Court yesterday refused to grant an interim stay on the "disqualification" of nine rebel Congress MLAs.

These nine MLAs had voted against the Appropriation Bill moved by the Harish Rawat-led government on March 18. Their action led to the imposition of President's Rule on the state.

On March 19, the Speaker served a showcause notice on them for their alleged involvement in anti-party activities.