Congress demands President's rule in Uttarakhand

Dehradun, June 15 (ANI): Claiming that the internal rift within the ruling BJP is hampering the development of Uttarakhand, the Congress has demanded President's rule in the state.

"The BJP Government is facing severe crisis. In such a scenario, President's rule is the best option," said State Congress chief Yashpal Arya in the wake of BJP dissidents seeking the removal of Chief Minister B C Khanduri.

After the BJP failed to win any of the five Lok Sabha seat in the state, demands from MLAs loyal to former Chief Minister B S Koshiyari are growing louder.

While the dissident camp is claiming support of nearly 20 of the 35 party MLAs in the 69-member state Assembly, Khanduri has claimed support of over 25 MLAs.

According to sources, state party chief Bachi Singh Rawat is likely to be replaced to revamp the state unit.

Meanwhile, BJP's coalition partner Uttarakhand Kranti Dal advised the party to end its "internal feud" in the interest of the state.

The UKD was concerned over infighting in the BJP saying it was creating a "stumbling block" to development. (ANI)