Congressmen burns Gen. Rawat in effigy

Dehradun, June 8 (UNI) Enraged over senior Congress leader Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Tej Pal Singh Rawat joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress workers today burnt him in effigy here today.

Party workers under the aegis of City Congress Committee gathered at Netaji Chowk and burnt effigy of Mr Rawat amidst shouting slogans against him. Angry workers accused that General Rawat was too ambitious and had come under enticement of the BJP.

They said Rawat has not only betrayed the public but also ex-servicemen.

Spearheading the protest Vijay Singh Chauhan said Rawat's exit won't affect the Congress in any way as the party required true and honest party worker not an Army general.

Flaying Chief Minister Maj. Gen. (Retd.) BC Khanduri for being instrumental in preparing other General (Rawat) in joining his party he said that both the ex-generals have betrayed the public.

Lt. Gen. (Retd.) TPS. Rawat who was also a former cabinet minister in the Congress government in Uttarakhand, and MLA from Dhumakot constituency of Pauri district resigned from the party to join the BJP. He was reportedly unhappy since he was denied the post of leader of opposition in the assembly by the party.

He had even expressed his resentment by not attending a single day of state Assembly session. Since then the speculation was rife that he might join the BJP. It is also speculated that he might contest from the Pauri Lok Sabha seat which is to be vacated by Chief Minister Khanduri and he himself might contest from Dhumakot constituency for the membership of state assembly.

Rawat's resignation has reduced the congress strength in the state assembly to just 21.

UNI