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Dehradun, Oct 18 (IANS) In a display of cordiality amid the festive glow of Dhanteras, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday visited the Defense Colony residence of former chief minister and Haridwar MP Trivendra Singh Rawat.
Extending warm greetings and best wishes for Diwali, Dhami’s personal reach underlined the enduring rapport between the two BJP stalwarts, who have handled the state’s turbulent politics together.
In the visit that lasted for over an hour, CM Dhami presented traditional gifts of sweets and lamps symbolizing prosperity and light, conveying the message that Diwali is about family, unity and shared dreams for the progress of Uttarakhand.
Later, CM Dhami posted a picture of both of them smiling with a bouquet on social media. Rawat had posted a message wishing all the people of Uttarakhand on ‘Dhanteras’ and prayed for more prosperity for all.
Their friendship dates back to 2017, when Dhami, the rising BJP MLA from Khatima, had emerged as a trusted ally of Rawat in the party.
As the first BJP CM of Uttarakhand from 2017-2021, Rawat mentored the young leader, and included him in key party committees despite Dhami’s relative inexperience.
When Rawat resigned amid instructions from the party high command in March 2021, Dhami stepped in as his successor after a brief stint under Tirath Singh Rawat, becoming the youngest CM at the age of 45.
Sources close to both recall Rawat’s quiet support during Dhami’s rise, advising him to balance the dynamics of Kumaon-Garhwal.
Gestures of goodwill have marked their bond. In July 2021, Dhami hosted Rawat for a private dinner at his official residence, a subtle sign of continuity amid the leadership reshuffle.
During the 2022 elections, Rawat campaigned vigorously for Dhami despite losing his Doiwala seat, which helped the BJP gain the lead.
More recently, in April 2025, Dhami appointed Rawat’s allies to state councils, silencing whispers of discord over issues such as illegal mining. This Diwali get-together comes as Uttarakhand goes to the polls in 2027, with Dhami now the longest-serving BJP chief minister (over four years).
Analysts see this as a strategic olive branch to promote party unity. As fireworks lit up the Dehradun sky, the gesture highlighted the ethos of Uttarakhand’s hilly warmth – proving that politics can pause for prosperity.
–IANS
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