He was sidelined again in 2012, when Vijay Bahuguna became CM. A sulking Rawat was made a cabinet minister at the Centre later.
Reports had it that it could be a close fight between Rawat and Pritam Singh.
Hridayesh recently surprised many by openly staking claim to the top post. The senior most member of Bahuguna Cabinet, Hridayesh had created a flutter by suggesting her name for the post of chief minister in case of a change of guard in Uttarakhand.
"If at all things move in that direction (change of guard), of course I deserve to occupy the top post. I am in parliamentary politics since 1974," she ahd said.
Incidentally, Pritam Singh belongs to the Rawat camp and the talk is that he could emerge as a compromise candidate if the anti-Rawat factions refuse to accept him. Pritam Singh is an MLA from Chakrata.
Meanwhile, Congress co in-charge in Uttarakhand Sanjay Kapoor today met Governor Aziz Qureshi intensifying speculation about Bahuguna's ouster as Chief Minister.
Raj Bhavan sources said Kapoor arrived alone and was closeted with the Governor for 10 minutes.
Although Kapoor described the meeting as a courtesy call he is believed to have discussed a change of guard in the state.
When asked to comment over the issue, Kapoor said, "A final call on this has not been taken as yet by the high command but a clearer picture might emerge by tomorrow."
Meanwhile, rumours about Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna's resignation flew thick and fast throughout the day.
However, Raj Bhavan sources said neither chief minister Vijay Bahuguna came to meet the Governor nor sought an appointment with him.
