Harish Rawat meets Prime Minister, says Narendra Modi 'friendly' to him

Meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the first time after weathering a month-long political crisis in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Harish Rawat said the former has a “friendly attitude” towards all CMs, including him, and hoped it remains the same in future.

Terming the 30-minute meeting as “good”, Rawat said he explained about the developmental requirements of Uttarkhand to the Prime Minister.

“There are certain issues we have with the central government, with various ministries. Various proposals are pending there. Some of the sanctioned projects, which need monetary support from the central government and which are on certain funding pattern, they get money from the central ministries. I have taken up that issue.

“There are certain flagship programmes also, which our state government is implementing with great enthusiasm. I explained to him how are we doing there. The PM expressed satisfaction,” he said.

Rawat won trust vote in the state Assembly on May 10, six weeks after the Centre dismissed his government and imposed President’s rule after nine Congress MLAs did not vote with the Rawat government on the Appropriation Bill.

Uttarakhand was brought under President’s rule on March 27 by the Centre on grounds of “breakdown of governance” in a controversial decision in the wake of a political crisis triggered by a rebellion in the ruling Congress.

When asked what did he discuss in his first meeting with the Prime Minister, Rawat said, “We discussed development.”

“He (Modi) has always a very friendly relationship with all Chief Ministers. He has had a friendly attitude towards me also and I hope it will remain in future as well. I need his friendship for Uttarakhand besides for me,” Rawat said.

The Chief Minister had sought an appointment with the Prime Minister soon after his government was restored.

A day after winning the trust vote, Rawat had said he expects better cooperation from the Centre and would soon meet the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister.