After the comments, state Congress issued a statement asking party leaders not to issue any statements regarding change of guard in the state.
"If at all things move in that direction (change of guard), of course I deserve to occupy the top post. I am in parliamentary politics since 1974.
"Considering my long legislative experience, I am definitely a contender for the post. It will be beneficial for both the state and the Congress party," Hridayesh told reporters when asked whether she was in the race for chief ministership.
However, Pradesh Congress Vice President Suryakant Dhasmana appealed to party leaders not to issue any statements regarding change of guard in the state "as it is a prerogative of the party's central leadership which has given no indication to this effect so far."
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"There has been no indication from the Centre suggesting that the chief minister could be changed. There may be several contenders for the post in the party but that is a different matter.
"If they feel they deserve the post, they can stake their claim only on party forum and not in public. I would appeal to party leaders not to vent their feelings regarding change of guard in the state," he said reacting to Hridayesh's statement.
Every time the issue surfaces, name of Haridwar MP and Union minister Harish Rawat who had lost the race of chief ministership to Bahugna crops up.
The Congress had put a lid on the latest wave of such speculation recently when Sandip Dikshit said in New Delhi that Bahuguna will stay.