Pushkar Singh Dhami surprise ‘Political Pandits’ after appointed as CM even after losing elections

Written By: Aashish Vashistha

March 21, 2022 (New Delhi): On Monday, after hours of discussion, BJP has selected Pushkar Singh Dhami as the new chief minister of Uttarakhand since the party retained power for the second consecutive term in the hill state. Even though he has lost the February election from “Khatima” constituency, which he had won in previous assembly elections, the party has given given him a second after analysis his qualities and deep connection with the people of Uttarakhand. Dhami was selected as CM after he took the baton from Trivendra Singh Rawat last year.

Pushkar Singh Dhami, however, had the strong backing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party’s ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, sources said. The decision had received the stamp of approval from PM Modi during the meeting held in Uttarakhand yesterday. Mr Dhami was the front-runner in the race that also included former Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, Union Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Dhan Singh Rawat, Madan Kaushik and senior leader Satpal Maharaj.

“Though he has lost the polls, but he got tremendous goodwill and reputation among some of the newly elected MLAs who think that they won because of his hard work in the last six months,” a BJP general secretary had earlier said. Now people of Uttarakhand are celebrating his appointment as new CM.

The reconfirmation of Mr Dhami is also seen as a way to keep the growing factionalism in the state unit of the party. It was the challenge to maintain the balance that led to uncertainty about the top post since the declaration of election results on March 10. According to top sources, Mr. Dhami was opted for the post again to counter Congress and their top minister Harish Rawat in Kumaon. Dhami has been a two- time MLA from the constituency.