Ganesh Godiyal Appointed as Uttarakhand Congress President Again

Dehradun: The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has made a major organizational reshuffle in Uttarakhand ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Senior party leader Ganesh Godiyal has been appointed as the new Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President, replacing Karan Mahara.

This marks the second time Godiyal has been entrusted with the state leadership, as he previously served as PCC Chief in 2021. His reappointment has sparked enthusiasm among party workers, who view it as a strategic move by the Congress high command to strengthen the party’s position in the hill state.

According to an official letter issued by Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, several other key appointments were also made:

• Pritam Singh, MLA from Chakrata and former PCC Chief, has been named Chairman of the Campaign Committee.
• Dr. Harak Singh Rawat, former Cabinet Minister, will head the Election Management Committee.
• Outgoing PCC Chief Karan Mahara has been included as a Special Invitee to the Congress Working Committee.

A Veteran of Uttarakhand Politics

Ganesh Godiyal, originally from Bhhedi village in Kandaarsyun, Pauri Garhwal, began his political journey in 2002 when he contested from the Thalisain Assembly seat and defeated senior BJP leader Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ — a major victory that brought him into the political limelight.

However, he faced defeat in the 2007 Assembly Elections. Following delimitation, Thalisain constituency merged into Srinagar, from where Godiyal contested again in 2012 and defeated BJP’s Dhan Singh Rawat. His win elevated his stature within the party, and he was considered close to veteran Congress leader Satpal Maharaj.

In 2017, Godiyal once again contested from Srinagar but lost to Dhan Singh Rawat, as the BJP wave swept across the state. Despite the setback, the Congress high command recognized his leadership potential and, in July 2021, appointed him as Uttarakhand Congress President.

He contested again in the 2022 Assembly Elections but was unable to reclaim the Srinagar seat. Later, in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, Godiyal contested from the Garhwal parliamentary constituency, where he was defeated by BJP’s Anil Baluni.

Focus on 2027 Elections

With Godiyal’s return to the helm, the Congress is looking to rebuild its grassroots network and strengthen its electoral machinery in Uttarakhand. His experience, local connect, and organizational skills are expected to play a crucial role as the party prepares for the upcoming 2027 Assembly polls.

Party insiders view his appointment as a move aimed at balancing regional representation and injecting renewed energy into the state unit.

Key Highlights:

• Ganesh Godiyal replaces Karan Mahara as Uttarakhand Congress President.
• Previously served as PCC Chief in 2021.
• Former MLA from Thalisain and Srinagar.
• Lost 2024 Lok Sabha race from Garhwal to BJP’s Anil Baluni.
• Seen as a strategic leader for Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.

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