Harish Rawat steps down from Congress roles after ED seizure

Harish Rawat, a senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, has stepped down from his party posts in the wake of a search operation conducted by the Enforcement Directorate on Friday. The action follows a raid at the residence of Rawat's Personal Assistant, Chandan Singh Jeena, where investigators recovered significant quantities of cash and valuables.

The ED said the search operation was connected to investigations into irregularities in a 2016 VPDO (Village Panchayat Development Officer) examination. During the operation, officials seized approximately ₹32 lakh in currency notes, gold jewellery, and expensive watches from Jeena's premises. The seizure has triggered speculation about the nature of the investigation and its potential implications for the senior Congress leader.

Rawat's decision to resign from his Congress positions represents a precautionary measure amid the ongoing inquiry. The leader, who served as Chief Minister from 2014 to 2017, has been a prominent face in Uttarakhand politics. The development marks a significant political moment in the state as it coincides with heightened scrutiny of the administration from that period.

The ED's investigation into the 2016 VPDO examination case had earlier led to multiple arrests and searches. The agency has been examining the circumstances surrounding the recruitment process and alleged irregularities in the conduct of the examination. The latest operation indicates an expansion of the probe's scope.