Cong seeks President's rule in Uttarakhand

With Uttarakhand facing political instability, Congress has demanded imposition of President's rule saying infighting in the ruling BJP was hampering development. "The BJP Government is facing severe crisis. In such a scenario, President's rule is the best option," State Congress chief Yashpal Arya said in the backdrop of BJP dissidents seeking removal of Chief Minister BC Khanduri.
    
After BJP failed to win any of the five Lok Sabha seat in the state, demands from the MLAs belonging to the rival camp led by former Chief Minister BS Koshiyari for Khaduri's removal grew louder. While the dissident camp is claiming support of nearly 20 of the 35 party MLA in the 69-member state Assembly, Khanduri has claimed support of over 25 MLAs.
    
Sources said that state party chief Bachi Singh Rawat is likely to be replaced to revamp the state unit. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD), a coalition partner, advised the BJP to end its "internal feud" in the state in its larger interest. The UKD was concerned over infighting in the BJP saying it was creating a "stumbling block" in development.