Singer Jubin Nautiyal's father, ex-BJP leader, joins Congress in Uttarakhand

Ramsharan Nautiyal formally joined the Congress party in a ceremony attended by senior party officials in Uttarakhand on Tuesday. The move represents a significant political realignment for the veteran leader, who has previously contested elections on the BJP ticket.

Nautiyal, who is best known as the father of acclaimed singer Jubin Nautiyal, had previously represented the Chakrata assembly constituency as a BJP candidate during the 2022 state elections. His transition to Congress underscores ongoing political realignments in the hill state, where party switches among established leaders have become increasingly common.

The Congress party has been actively attempting to strengthen its organizational base in Uttarakhand ahead of upcoming electoral contests. Party leaders were present during Nautiyal's formal induction, signaling the importance the party attaches to attracting seasoned political figures from rival organizations.

Nautiyal's political trajectory reflects broader shifts within Uttarakhand's volatile political environment, where several established figures have switched party affiliations in recent years. His joining Congress adds to the party's efforts to consolidate support, particularly in the hill districts where regional leaders continue to wield considerable influence.