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Tiwari’s exit waits only for successor HTC 29 October 2004 Hindustan Times (c) 2004 The Hindustan Times Ltd

Uttaranchal CM N.D. Tiwari's days may be numbered. But if he's still around, it's because the Congress hasn't found his successor yet. "The change will be effected the day we identify his successor," said an AICC leader. Two main contenders seem to be Satpal Maharaj, who is close to Tiwari, and Vijay Bahuguna. Neither is a legislator. Also, both come from Kumaon. So does Speaker Yashpal Arya, a dalit, who is unlikely to be accepted by the state's brahmin-thakur lobby. Reports of a change in CM gained ground after Tiwari, Rawat, Maharaj and Joshi met Congress president Sonia Gandhi separately on Thursday.   and Financial Express: Race hot's up for Uttaranchal top job. 26 October 2004 Financial Express The Financial Times Limited. Financial Express (c) 2004 All rights reserved With speculation rife on a change in leadership in Uttaranchal, a tussle is on within the ruling Congress in the state. Rumours of shifting veteran chief minister ND Tiwari from the hill state to gubernatorial posting has sparked off a sudden race for the top post. Congress sources said the veteran leader had been offered the gubernatorial post in any of the several states where governors are likely to be removed shortly. Mr Tiwari's frequent visits to the Capital are also being seen in this light. He met Congress president Sonia Gandhi last week, and his visit on Monday again had rumour mills working overtime. However, Mr Tiwari did not disclose much. He reiterated the oft-repeated line that being a disciplined soldier of the Congress, he would abide by party high command's decision. Meanwhile, around half a dozen claimants for the top post in the state are heading towards Delhi. Lists of supporting legislators are being prepared, in case there is a show of strength. Among the strong contenders for the post are state Congress chief Harish Rawat, who missed the bus after the Assembly polls in 2002, former AICC secretary and former Union minister Satpal Maharaj and Vijay Bahuguna, son of former UP chief minister, late HN Bahuguna. However, according to party sources, Mr Tiwari would like to place information and PWD minister Indira Hridayesh, his protege for long, in his chair in case he is shifted. Mr Tiwari has had to face criticism from the Harish Rawat camp right from the day he took over as the CM. Party infighting took its toll in the last parliamentary polls, where Congress managed only one seat out of the total five. In the recent by-elections held in Dwarahat Assembly segment in Kumaon, Congress lost badly to Uttarakhand Kranti Dal(UKD). and for a great laugh about Satpal's obscure brother: http://www.flonnet.com/fl1906/19060420.htm