How Did Uttarakhand CM Dhami's Diwali Gesture Strengthen His Bond with Ex-CM Rawat?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CM Dhami's visit exemplifies political goodwill.
- Traditional gifts symbolize unity and prosperity.
- Strengthening bonds is crucial for future elections.
- The friendship dates back to their party roles in 2017.
- Political gestures can foster a sense of community.
Dehradun, Oct 18 (NationPress) In a touching exhibition of fraternity during the festive ambiance of Dhanteras, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami made a visit to the Defence Colony home of former Chief Minister and Haridwar MP Trivendra Singh Rawat on Saturday.
Offering heartfelt greetings and warm wishes for Diwali, Dhami's personal outreach highlighted the lasting connection between these two BJP leaders, who have weathered the challenges of the state's political landscape together.
The visit, which lasted more than an hour, featured CM Dhami presenting traditional gifts of sweets and diyas, representing prosperity and illumination, emphasizing the sentiment that Diwali is about family unity and collective aspirations for Uttarakhand's advancement.
Later, CM Dhami shared a photo on social media showing both of them smiling with a bouquet. Rawat also conveyed his good wishes to all people of Uttarakhand on ‘Dhanteras’ and prayed for increased prosperity for everyone.
Their friendship began in 2017, when Dhami, then an emerging BJP MLA from Khatima, became a trusted ally of Rawat within the party.
As Uttarakhand's inaugural BJP CM from 2017-2021, Rawat guided the young leader, engaging him in significant party committees despite Dhami's relative inexperience.
When Rawat resigned following directives from the party high command in March 2021, Dhami assumed the role of his successor after a brief tenure by Tirath Singh Rawat, becoming the youngest CM at the age of 45.
Sources close to the duo recall Rawat's quiet support during Dhami's rise, advising him on managing the dynamics between Kumaon and Garhwal.
Goodwill gestures have characterized their relationship. In July 2021, Dhami hosted Rawat for a private dinner at his official residence, symbolizing continuity amid the leadership transition.
During the 2022 elections, Rawat campaigned energetically for Dhami despite his own loss in the Doiwala constituency, contributing to the BJP's sweeping victory.
Recently, in April 2025, Dhami appointed Rawat's associates to state councils, dispelling rumors of discord over concerns such as illegal mining. This Diwali meeting comes as Uttarakhand prepares for the 2027 elections, with Dhami currently serving as the longest-tenured BJP CM (over four years).
Analysts interpret this as a strategic gesture aimed at promoting party unity. As fireworks illuminated the skies over Dehradun, this act resonated with Uttarakhand's spirit of pahadi warmth—demonstrating that politics can take a back seat to prosperity.