Nishank replaces Khanduri

The turmoil in Uttarakhand BJP ended with state health minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank replacing chief minister BC Khanduri.

After months of dissident activity against him, Khanduri resigned “owning moral responsibility” for the Lok Sabha poll debacle in the state and central leaders agreed to replace him.

Nishank, considered close to Khanduri as well as the RSS, is a strong leader from Garhwal.

The decision puts to rest hopes of senior party leader BS Koshiyari, who had been leading the dissidents, to become the CM.

The decision to make Nishank CM was taken at a meeting of Uttarakhand BJP MLAs here on Wednesday. Senior party leaders M Venkaiah Naidu and Thawar Chand Gehlot were the central observers at the meeting.

Backing of Khanduri and his seniority as a politician tilted the balance in Nishank’s favour.

“I thank party members and Khanduriji. As chief minister, I will work to fulfil Khandurji’s dream to make our state a heaven on earth,” Nishank told reporters.