 "Bahuguna seeks induction of 3 new faces in Uttarakhand Cabinet")
The demand was put forward by Bahuguna before Rawat at a close-door meeting at Bijapur guest house here on Tuesday. Bahuguna's demand came despite Rawat's assertion that he would not carry out any cabinet reshuffle in the near future.
This is only the latest demand by Bahuguna after the change of guard in Uttarakhand in February this year. Bahuguna, Rawat's political rival, has been at loggerheads with him since then.
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Bahuguna, a member of the legislative Assembly from Sitarganj constituency, has been seeking cabinet seats for his staunch supporters such as Subodh Unniyal. Bahuguna has also stated his desire for a Rajya Sabha seat for himself. When Rawat did not agree to this demand, Bahuguna lobbied with senior Congress leaders in New Delhi.
Bahuguna has also expressed displeasure over the functioning of the state government. Over the past few days, Bahuguna had been visiting parts of the disaster-hit Uttarakashi and Tehri districts to understand the ground realities in the wake of last year's June deluge. Sources said Bahuguna was not satisfied with the reconstruction works, especially at the Chardham areas. Last month, there were media reports that Bahuguna had held a meeting with Bharatiya Janata Party leader Satpal Maharaj. However, Maharaj had denied the reports.
Rawat had been bitterly opposed by the Bahuguna camp on a host of issues. Agriculture Minister Harak Singh Rawat, who is regarded close to Bahuguna, is also at loggerheads with the chief minister.
Though the recent Congress victory in the bypolls gave Harish Rawat a much-needed relief, the infighting in the ruling Congress has failed to end.