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Haryana Elections Loss Cost Congress Its Dignity? Media Raps Party; Major Leaders, Alliance Partners Vent Out

October 9, 2024, 4:38 pm

In the aftermath of Congress’ defeat in the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections, several leaders within the party, along with their allies, have spoken out, providing varied perspectives on the reasons for the loss and what it means for the party’s future.

Rahul Gandhi acknowledged the unexpected outcome, stating that Congress is “analysing the results” and will communicate with the Election Commission regarding complaints from various constituencies. The party had anticipated a much better performance based on early trends and anti-incumbency sentiment against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, the BJP surged ahead, clinching 48 seats, while Congress secured only 37. Gandhi’s reflective statement also touched upon Congress’ success in Jammu and Kashmir, where the party, in alliance with the National Conference, was leading.

Bhupinder Hooda’s reaction:

#Delhi: After meeting the Election Commission, former Haryana CM and Congress leader Bhupinder Hooda says, "These results of Haryana are surprising because everyone thought that Congress will form the government in #Haryana pic.twitter.com/0DkfGwP5EV

— Madhu Singh Gora (@MadhuSinghBmr) October 9, 2024

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a more combative stance, questioning the transparency of the counting process and alleging delays in updating election results. These claims were dismissed by the Election Commission, which defended the integrity of the process. Ramesh’s comments underscore the party’s dissatisfaction with the way the vote tallying was handled, though no further formal objections were made after the Commission’s response.

Jairam Ramesh’s reaction:

Priyanka Chaturvedi says Congress can't defeat BJP in a one-on-one contest.

Forget BJP supporters, even Uddhav Thackeray’s party is humiliating Congress and questioning the leadership of @rahulgandhi and @priyankagandhi. ? pic.twitter.com/2sz5IQL3a2

— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) October 8, 2024

ECI response to Party chief, Mallikarjun Kharge’s letter:

Election Commission writes to Congress President @kharge. The letter reads, "The Commission has meanwhile noted the statements from your good self and the Leader of #Opposition which have termed the #Haryana results as "unexpected" and that the @INCIndia proposes to analyse the… pic.twitter.com/Fny7FYHLju

— Upendrra Rai (@UpendrraRai) October 9, 2024

Meanwhile, Kumari Selja, a senior Congress leader, expressed deep disappointment with the results, particularly pointing to internal discord within the party. Selja had previously raised concerns about how Congress had handled candidate selection, suggesting that the marginalisation of Dalit leaders had a detrimental impact on the party’s outreach to key voter groups. Her comments reflected broader concerns about factionalism, especially regarding the dominance of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, which alienated certain sections of the party.

Selja’s reaction:

#WATCH | #HaryanaElections| Delhi: Congress MP Kumari Selja says, "The results are extremely disappointing. Our workers worked for so long, we went to villages with the message of Rahul Gandhi but after the results, it looks like all their efforts have gone to waste. The party… pic.twitter.com/uN9fREi3Em

— ANI (@ANI) October 8, 2024

Deepender Hooda’s reaction:

The Congress party will form the government in Haryana with a huge majority.

— Deepender Hooda ? pic.twitter.com/BNvj5e6rO9

— Rohini Anand (@mrs_roh08) July 19, 2024

From Congress’ allies, the Shiv Sena (UBT) was critical of the party’s decision to contest the elections independently. Sanjay Raut emphasised that Congress’ overconfidence led to its downfall, as it did not form alliances with regional parties like the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) or Samajwadi Party. Raut remarked that the party “turned a winning match into a loss” by not partnering with other like-minded parties, which could have bolstered its chances against the BJP’s formidable organisational structure.

Priyanka Chaturvedi, another leader from Shiv Sena (UBT), echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Congress needs to seriously rethink its strategy in states where it faces a direct fight with the BJP. Chaturvedi noted that while the party performed well in Jammu and Kashmir through alliance politics, its reluctance to replicate this in Haryana cost it dearly.

WATCH:

Priyanka Chaturvedi says Congress can't defeat BJP in a one-on-one contest.

Forget BJP supporters, even Uddhav Thackeray’s party is humiliating Congress and questioning the leadership of @rahulgandhi and @priyankagandhi. ? pic.twitter.com/2sz5IQL3a2

— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) October 8, 2024

The “jalebi” meme, circulating widely following Congress’ unexpected defeat in the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections, stems from a playful jab at Rahul Gandhi. During his election campaign in Haryana, Gandhi made a lighthearted comment about eating jalebis to celebrate the party’s anticipated victory. However, when the BJP clinched the win, social media exploded with memes, mocking the Congress leader for his premature celebrations. Many Twitter users shared images and posts with captions like “Jalebi time for the BJP” or “Congress’ jalebi dreams,” turning what was meant to be a moment of optimism into a viral symbol of irony. The meme’s popularity highlights the internet’s tendency to latch onto humorous or ironic statements, often using them to underline political setbacks.

Also read: Does Telling Kids To “Hurry Up” Cause Anxiety?

The reactions from within Congress and from its allies paint a picture of a party grappling with internal challenges, missed opportunities, and strategic missteps. Factionalism, overconfidence, and failure to form critical alliances were all identified as key reasons for the loss. As Congress prepares for upcoming state elections, these critiques serve as a stark reminder of the need for a unified front and better collaboration with regional parties if it hopes to challenge the BJP’s electoral dominance.

Haryana Elections 2024: BJP Targets Hat-Trick in Haryana; NC-Congress Alliance Ahead in J&K

October 8, 2024, 10:59 am

The latest trends in the 2024 Assembly elections indicate that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to achieve a hat-trick victory in Haryana, while the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC) and Congress alliance has crossed the halfway mark in their region.

As counting progresses, the BJP appears set to secure a significant majority in Haryana, where they are leading in approximately 45 seats. This marks a continuation of the party’s dominance in the state, following previous victories in past elections.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the NC-Congress alliance is experiencing a surge, leading in 47 seats according to the latest data released by the Election Commission. This coalition is positioned to capitalize on voter sentiment, highlighting issues relevant to the region.

The elections, which were held in phases over the past weeks, have attracted considerable attention, particularly due to the historical context of the Jammu and Kashmir vote, being the first since the abrogation of Article 370. The results are pivotal, impacting the political landscape and the electoral fate of several prominent candidates, including former ministers and current political leaders.

As trends continue to develop, both alliances are preparing for the final outcome, with the BJP aiming to solidify its presence in Haryana, and the NC-Congress alliance hoping to establish a stronghold in Jammu and Kashmir. The official results are eagerly awaited as they will determine the future governance of both regions.

Watch: Allegations of Assault Among MLA Groups Amid Polling in Haryana

October 5, 2024, 12:02 pm

Balraj Kundu, the Haryana Jan Sevak Party candidate for the Meham assembly constituency, has accused former Congress MLA Anand Singh Dangi of physically assaulting him and his personal assistant at a polling booth during ongoing election in Rohtak district.

Kundu, who is the current MLA for the Meham assembly seat, stated that Anand Singh Dangi appears to be unsettled by the likelihood of his son, Congress candidate Balram Dangi, losing the election. Kundu described Dangi as being “rattled” by the situation.

Independent MLA and candidate Balraj Kundu attacked by Congress workers in Meham. pic.twitter.com/p1IYQcrpUJ

— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) October 5, 2024

In a video statement, Kundu described the alleged attack, stating that Dangi approached him directly. “Anand Singh Dangi is so rattled by the situation that he himself came to booth number 134 at the bus stand in Madina to check if everything was running smoothly. He [Dangi] tore my clothes and had me pushed around,” Kundu explained, referring to his personal assistant and showing concern for their well-being.

Kundu suggested that Dangi’s frustration stemmed from worries about his electoral prospects. “It’s the panic of his impending loss. Today, he’s thinking of causing another ‘Meham Kaand’,” he said. Kundu urged the residents of his constituency to remain calm and not be provoked by Dangi’s actions. “Meri aapke pure halke ke logon se appeal hai ki shanti banaye rkhe, iski (Anand Singh Dangi) baaton mein naa aaye. Shanti aur bhaichara bana kar rakhna hai aur iss chunao ko ladna hai,” he added.

Historical Context of the “Meham Kaand”

The term “Meham Kaand” refers to a notorious and violent political event that took place during a by-election in Meham in 1990. The election, which featured Anand Singh Dangi and then-Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala, was marred by extensive violence, voter rigging, and clashes between political supporters. The chaos led to multiple fatalities and serious accusations of electoral fraud and misuse of state resources, particularly against Chautala’s administration, whose supporters were alleged to have taken control of polling booths. This event remains a significant example of political malpractice in Haryana’s electoral history.

Current Political Landscape

Anand Singh Dangi, a Congress leader and four-time former lawmaker, has handed over his electoral responsibilities to his son, Balram Dangi. Balram is now in a challenging race against Kundu, who established the Haryana Jan Sevak Party after leaving the BJP. Other notable contenders in the election include Radha Ahlawat, the wife of rebel BJP leader Shamsher Singh Kharkara, and Deepak Hooda, a former captain of the Indian kabaddi team representing the BJP.

Rahul Gandhi Blames BJP for Haryana’s 8.9% Unemployment and Drug Epidemic

October 4, 2024, 11:08 pm

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has taken a strong stance against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Haryana, accusing the state government of driving the state into a crisis of unemployment, crime, and drugs. As the Haryana Assembly elections approach, Gandhi’s statements, made during the Vijay Sankalp Yatra and shared on social media, highlight the deepening rivalry between the BJP and Congress in the state.

Gandhi pointed out that under the BJP’s decade-long rule, Haryana now holds the unfortunate title of having the highest unemployment rate in India. He blamed several of the BJP’s policies, including the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetization, which he argued hurt small businesses and employment opportunities for the youth. He also took aim at the Agniveer recruitment scheme, claiming it discouraged young people who were preparing for army careers. Furthermore, the Congress leader criticized the “black laws” in agriculture and the implementation of the Parivar Pehchan Patra scheme, which he says has negatively impacted government recruitment and shattered families financially.

Gandhi did not stop at policy critique. He linked the unemployment crisis to the rising crime rate and the growing problem of drug addiction, particularly among Haryana’s youth. He emphasized that the BJP’s mismanagement is pushing talented youth towards crime and addiction, further eroding the state’s social fabric. Reflecting on his interactions with locals during the Vijay Sankalp Yatra, Gandhi shared his experience of meeting women in Haryana who expressed their concerns over the state’s deteriorating condition under the BJP regime.

The Congress party’s solution, Gandhi promised, would be to recruit 2 lakh permanent jobs, make the state drug-free, and restore opportunities for the youth. He also reiterated that Congress would prioritize social welfare by offering monthly financial assistance to women, reducing gas prices, and providing extensive health insurance coverage if it returns to power.

The backdrop of this political rivalry in Haryana is significant. The BJP, under the leadership of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, has been trying to consolidate its position, focusing on infrastructure and development as key talking points. However, the BJP faces challenges due to public dissatisfaction with rising unemployment and the perception that the state’s crime rates are increasing, especially related to drugs and youth violence.

Also read: Modi Unveils Rs 1.25 Lakh Crore Investment in Manufacturing Revolution At Kautilya Economic Conclave

Haryana’s upcoming elections on October 5 are set to be a high-stakes battle between Congress and BJP, with both parties offering sharply contrasting visions for the state’s future. Gandhi’s aggressive critique of the BJP’s policies and his promises for reform indicate that Congress is positioning itself as the party that can reverse the economic and social issues plaguing the state under the BJP’s rule.

Selja Stakes Claim for Haryana CM Role

October 4, 2024, 5:33 pm

Congress MP Kumari Selja has made it clear that she is a strong contender for the position of Haryana’s Chief Minister should the Congress emerge victorious in the upcoming state elections. In a recent interview, Selja emphasized her seniority and political experience as significant factors that place her firmly in the running. She stated that the final decision would rest with the party high command but expressed confidence that she would not be overlooked.

Her statements come at a pivotal time as Haryana prepares for its assembly elections on October 5, with Congress aiming to unseat the incumbent BJP government. Historically, Selja has been a key player in Haryana’s political landscape, and her assertion highlights the internal dynamics within Congress, where multiple factions vie for influence. The Hooda family, led by former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, is another powerful force within the party, making the leadership decision even more complex.

Addressing rumours about her potential defection to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Selja categorically denied them, stating that such speculation is nothing more than Delhi’s rumor mill. She reaffirmed her loyalty to Congress, a party that she believes has the potential to succeed in the state, citing the recent efforts by Rahul Gandhi and the impact of his Bharat Jodo Yatra as contributing factors to Congress’ current momentum.

The contest for Haryana’s leadership is steeped in intrigue, not only because of the power struggle within Congress but also because of its electoral significance. In the 2019 elections, Congress secured 30 seats, trailing behind the BJP, which emerged as the single largest party with 40 seats. As the upcoming polls approach, Selja’s confidence in Congress’ position and her vocal ambition for the Chief Minister’s role add a new layer of anticipation to the results.

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Selja’s rise within Congress, coupled with her experience as a former Union Minister, positions her as a formidable candidate. However, the final decision, as she reiterated, will be made by the high command based on several factors, including seniority, work, and the political landscape. This sets the stage for a potentially significant shift in Haryana’s political future, depending on the election outcome.

As this election race heats up, the internal jockeying for power within Congress could play a key role in shaping the state’s future leadership.

Sankalp Yatra Under Scrutiny: Rahul Gandhi’s Strategy for Haryana Elections 2024

October 2, 2024, 9:52 am

As Haryana prepares for its assembly elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched the Haryana Vijay Sankalp Yatra, taking place from September 30 to October 3. This initiative aims to enhance the Congress party’s presence ahead of the elections, yet there seems to be a significant disconnect between the yatra’s promotional efforts and its tangible impact on the ground.

The Congress party currently lacks a cohesive strategy for its campaign in Haryana, a confusion underscored by the release of two separate election manifestos. Initially, a manifesto was unveiled in Delhi, but after realizing that the BJP’s manifesto was resonating with voters, Congress felt the need to issue a second one from Chandigarh.

The Role of Sankalp Yatra

Rahul Gandhi’s yatra appears less focused on setting new resolutions and more on damage control. In states where Congress has made promises without delivering results, this roadshow seems aimed at diverting attention from those shortcomings. Rather than presenting a comprehensive development plan for Haryana, the yatra seems intended to deflect focus from internal party issues.

Gandhi’s remarks have significantly impacted various segments of society, particularly the marginalization of Kumari Selja, which has not gone unnoticed by Haryana voters. Despite these challenges, Congress persists with the Sankalp Yatra, attempting to shift focus away from its internal struggles.

Challenges Within Congress

Gandhi’s journey appears more like a strategy to mask Congress’s past failures rather than a sincere effort toward Haryana’s progress. The absence of prominent leaders rallying behind him and the lack of a clear roadmap for the state’s advancement raise concerns about the yatra’s effectiveness.

The ongoing Sankalp Yatra may serve as a distraction from Congress’s previous actions through increased public engagement. However, it remains uncertain whether this approach will resonate with voters or adequately address their concerns.

In summary, while Rahul Gandhi leads the Haryana Vijay Sankalp Yatra with the goal of strengthening the party’s position, unresolved issues within Congress loom large. The true impact of this campaign strategy will soon be tested as election day approaches.

Rahul Gandhi’s Controversial Statements

Adding to Congress’s challenges in Haryana, Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to the United States has ignited controversies that could haunt the party for years. His comments, perceived as anti-Sikh and regarding the abolition of reservations, have drawn significant backlash and criticism.

Star Cong campaigners yet to hit campaign trail

September 19, 2024, 3:10 am

With only two weeks left before the curtains fall on the election campaign for the Haryana Assembly polls, the Congress is facing a surprising setback as its top stars have yet to hit the campaign trail.

Despite announcing a robust list of 40 stars campaigners, including heavyweights like Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, none of the senior leaders have made an appearance in the state. As the October 5 elections inch closer, and campaign is set to conclude on October 3, the absence of the party’s central leadership has raised concerns within Congress circles.

So far, none of the national leaders from the Congress’ central leadership have arrived to address rallies or energise the party carder, worrying the contenders who are facing a tough challenge in this multi-cornered contest.

The Congress had released an extensive list of its star campaigners, including prominent names like Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. However, no official announcements have been made regarding their schedule for rallies or roadshows in Haryana. Party loyalists, eager to see a boost in momentum, are left waiting for these big names to take Centre stage. “Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi will not only address rallies but will also lead roadshows to support party candidates. A detailed schedule will be released soon. This is all part of our strategy,” said a senior Congress leader on the condition of anonymity, attempting to assuage concerns about the slow start.

But with the BJP’s campaign in full throttle, the absence of Congress leaders has left many questioning whether the party is losing valuable time in the race to win voters. The ruling BJP on the other hand has wasted no time in ramping up its efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already held a rally in Kurukshetra, jumpstarting the BJP’s election campaign in the state. Modi’s presence in Haryana is set to grow stronger with three more rallies on the horizon, two in Sonipat and Hisar on September 26 and a final one in Palwal on October 2. Adding to the BJP’s aggressive campaigning, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has already addressed two rallies, and the party’s national president JP Nadda is scheduled to visit Haryana on Thursday.

Union ministers Manohar Lal, Rao Inderjit Singh, Krishan Pal Gurjar, and senior BJP leader Anurag Thakur are also actively campaigning, further cementing the BJP’s dominant presence on the ground. In the absence of the heavyweights, the Congress has been relying heavily on its state leaders to spearhead the campaign.

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, along with Kumari Selja and Randeep Surjewala, have been working tirelessly to keep the party’s momentum going. However, their efforts are largely seen as insufficient to counter the BJP’s full-force offensive.

The party’s star campaigners, including wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, have also been active, particularly in Julana, where Phogat is locked in a fierce battle against the BJP and AAP candidates.
Still, their regional influence does little to compensate for the absence of Congress’ national heavyweights.

Political observers believe that the Congress is on a very strong footing in Haryana but the delay in the arrival of senior leaders in the election trail could prove costly.
While party insiders maintain that a last-minute surge led by the likes of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi will provide a significant boost, the question remains whether it will be too little, too late.

Congress woos Haryana voters with ‘7 promises’

September 19, 2024, 2:50 am

Promises MSP guarantee, Rs 2,000 for women, free 300 unit electricity, Rs 6000 pension to elderly, disabled and widows, caste survey, raising creamy layer limit to Rs 10 lakh
The Congress party has released its election manifesto with seven-guarantees, including promises of a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price and a caste survey, along with construction of a memorial in the memory of farmers who died during the 2020-21 farmers agitation.

Attempting to reach out to all voters, the Congress manifesto named as “Saat Vaade-Pakke Irade” (Seven Promises, Firm Intentions) was launched in the presence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Haryana Congress chief Udai Bhan, former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and AICC senior observers for the Haryana polls Ashok Gehlot, Ajay Maken, and Partap Singh Bajwa.

Speaking on the occasion, Kharge outlined that the manifesto will focus on providing benefits to families, empowering women, supporting the youth, strengthening social security, and improving lives of backward classes, farmers, and the poor. “We are committed to building a grand memorial for the farmers who laid down their lives fighting against the anti-farmer laws. Alongside that, we pledge to provide jobs to the next of kin of these martyrs,” said Kharge.

Briefing about the guarantees, Congress Haryana chief Udai Bhan said that the Congress’ seven guarantees includes Rs 2000 per month to every woman above 18 years, LPG gas cylinders at Rs 500, free electricity up to 300 units on the lines of Chiranjeevi scheme, Rs 25 lakh free treatment benefit. It also promises voters Rs 6000 pension per month for widows, disabled person, and senior citizens, return of the Old Pension Scheme, two lakh government positions to be filled to tackle unemployment and to make Haryana drug-free for youth upliftment. The manifesto also promises to ensure legal MSP guarantee, immediate crop compensation, 100 yard plot and two-room houses at a cost of Rs 3.5 lakhs to poor families, and a caste survey to fair distribution of resources and jobs and raising the creamy layer limit to Rs 10 lakh from current Rs 8 lakh.

Reacting over the election manifesto, former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda says, “We have given a guarantee for the women, youth, farmers (in the Congress manifesto for Haryana Assembly elections) Congress will be coming (in the state) and BJP will go.”
On Congress manifesto, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini says, “The government which is there in the politics for the past 60 years, if they have to give guarantee for getting the vote, then do not trust those guarantee…Congress revdi batne ka kaam karti hai, but never fulfil those promises…”

Similarly, BJP National Secretary Om Prakash Dhankar Criticizes Congress’ “Saat-Waade, Pakke-Irade slogan, saying “people don’t trust Congress, which is why they’ve resorted to using the slogan ‘Seven Promises, Firm Intentions”. Dhankhar also took a jibe at Congress’ promise to provide 2 lakh jobs to the youth. “The same people who were part of the ‘Bharati Roko Gang’ are now talking about giving jobs to the youth. Jobs were given to the youth without any favoritism or bribes, but Congress created hurdles in those jobs.
That’s why the youth protested in front of Congress leaders’ homes.”

However, Congress’ senior leaders from Haryana Kumari Selja and Randeep Surjewala were not present on the occasion when the manifesto was released as former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Udai Bhanwere present along with the central leadership of the party. But both the leaders have shared a picture of the seven guarantees of the election manifesto on their X accounts.

Meanwhile, the ruling BJP has delayed the release of the election manifesto by a day as the party’s national president will now release the Haryana Sankalap Patra on Thursday. Voting for the 90-member assembly will take place on October 5 while the counting of votes will be done on October 8.

Haryana Elections: Congress Guarantees Rs. 6,000 Pension For ‘Elderly And Disabled’ And Legal MSP

September 18, 2024, 4:30 pm

With the Haryana Assembly elections just around the corner, the Congress party has unveiled its seven major promises aimed at addressing key issues faced by voters in the state. The announcement was made on Wednesday in the presence of top Congress leaders, including President Mallikarjun Kharge, General Secretary KC Venugopal, former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and Haryana Congress Chief Udai Bhan.

Key Guarantees Announced

Monthly Pension Scheme: Congress has committed to a monthly pension of ₹6,000 for the elderly, disabled, and widows. This initiative is part of the party’s broader social security plan.
Restoration of Old Pension Scheme: The party promises to reinstate the old pension scheme, which aims to benefit government employees.
Free Electricity and Medical Treatment: Congress has pledged to provide 300 units of free electricity to households. Additionally, it promises free medical treatment up to ₹25 lakh.
Legal Guarantee for MSP: In response to the longstanding demands of farmers, Congress has vowed to introduce a legal assurance for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops.
Caste Survey and Income Limit Adjustment: The party has promised to conduct a caste survey and increase the income limit for the creamy layer from ₹6 lakh to ₹10 lakh.

Campaign Slogan and Manifesto

The Congress party has dubbed its campaign promises as “Saat Vaade, Pakke Irade” (Seven Promises, Firm Resolutions). Kharge emphasized the party’s commitment to these guarantees, stating, “We will implement these guarantees, and that is why we have named it ‘Saat Vaade, Pakke Irade’.”

The full manifesto, detailing additional plans and policies, will be elaborated upon in Chandigarh at a later date.

Election Context

Haryana’s 90-member assembly election is scheduled for October 5, with the vote counting set for October 8. This election is crucial for the Congress party as it seeks to regain and solidify its political standing in Haryana amidst growing challenges in recent years.

Haryana Elections 2024: Internal Rifts Threaten Congress Bid for Power

September 13, 2024, 7:04 pm

As the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections approach, questions are looming over whether the Congress will return to power after a decade. With voting scheduled for October 5 and results on October 8, the situation in Congress seems uncertain due to growing internal rifts and defections. While Congress has already announced candidates for 41 out of the 90 seats, the remaining 49 seats are yet to be finalized. However, the announcement of candidates has already sparked unrest within the party, with several leaders resigning and joining rival parties.

Internal Struggles and Resignations in Haryana Congress

The factionalism within Haryana Congress has intensified following the release of the candidate list. In Sadhoura, the nomination of Renu Bala prompted leaders like Brijpal and Pinky Chappar to leave the party. In Nilokheri, former minister Ramkumar Valmiki has decided to contest as an independent. Similarly, in Shahabad, Ramkaran Kala’s nomination has caused friction, with Prem Hingakhedi voicing his discontent. In Baroda, the nomination of Induraj Singh Narwal has led to speculations that Jitendra Hooda might also run as an independent. Meanwhile, Dr. Kapoor Narwal, a close aide of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, has already resigned from the party over these disputes.

Bhupinder Singh Hooda vs. Kumari Selja – The Power Struggle

The rivalry between former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Congress General Secretary Kumari Selja has come to the forefront ahead of the 2024 elections. While Selja, a prominent Dalit leader and MP from Sirsa, has openly staked her claim for the Chief Minister’s position, Hooda appears to hold significant influence in candidate selection. On September 6, Congress announced two lists with 32 candidates, including 28 sitting MLAs. Reports suggest that Hooda had more sway in the selection process, with 28 of his preferred candidates getting tickets, compared to just four from Selja’s camp.

In a recent interview, Kumari Selja took a veiled dig at Hooda, questioning his control over the party and reaffirming her claim to the CM post. She noted that during her campaign trail, she was often referred to as the “next CM” by party workers.

Congress’ Position in the Haryana Elections

Congress has been out of power in Haryana for a decade. In the 2014 and 2019 Assembly elections, the BJP won 40 and 31 seats respectively, forming a government with the support of the 10-seat-strong JJP in 2019. Ahead of the 2024 elections, Congress sought an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), but talks fell through due to disagreements over seat-sharing. As a result, Congress is now contesting all 90 seats independently, despite Rahul Gandhi’s preference for an alliance with AAP.

With growing internal dissent and the failure to secure an alliance, it remains to be seen whether Congress can overcome its internal challenges and mount a successful challenge to the BJP-JJP government in Haryana.

BJP Leaders’ Ticket Requests for Descendants and Supporters Adding to Party’s Woes

September 4, 2024, 3:20 am

Rao Indrajit, Kiran Chaudhary, Dharamvir Singh, Krishan Pal Gurjar, Kuldeep Bishnoi, and Naveen Jindal are seeking tickets for their children, family members, and supporters.

With the Haryana Assembly elections scheduled for October 5, all political parties are busy preparing and deliberating on ticket distribution. The BJP, in particular, is facing challenges due to several senior leaders seeking tickets for their descendants, family members, and supporters. This dilemma puts the party in a difficult position: denying these tickets might upset influential leaders, while granting them could fuel accusations of dynastic politics.

Two Union Ministers of State, Krishna Pal Gurjar and Rao Indrajit Singh, have been lobbying for tickets for their children for the upcoming assembly elections. Gurjar is pushing for a ticket for his son, Devendra Chaudhary, while Singh is advocating for his daughter, Aarti Rao. Despite their efforts, the party had previously chosen other candidates, such as Rajesh Nagar and Sunil Musepur, over their children in the 2019 elections. The BJP’s reluctance to engage in nepotism is partly to avoid criticism from Congress, which the BJP has accused of similar practices.

Kiran Chaudhary, who recently joined the BJP from Congress, is also seeking a ticket for her daughter, Shruti, for the Tosham assembly seat. Despite the BJP’s unofficial policy of one ticket per family, Chaudhary’s influence and recent political achievements might support her daughter’s candidacy.

Naveen Jindal’s family is claiming a ticket for the Hisar assembly seat, either for his mother, Savitri Jindal, or his wife, Shalu Jindal. This claim is strengthened by the current political climate and ongoing disputes with the current MLA, Dr. Kamal Gupta. Jindal’s family has previously contested this seat, and the competition between them and Gupta continues.
In Tosham, a key constituency, BJP MP Dharamvir is pushing for a ticket for his son, Mohit. This seat is highly contested, with Kiran Chaudhary also seeking the ticket for her daughter. Dharamvir, who has won multiple Lok Sabha elections, has significant local influence but has been discontented with the party’s handling of his requests.

Kuldeep Bishnoi, dissatisfied after not receiving a ticket from Hisar in the last Lok Sabha elections, is now seeking tickets for his son Bhavya and two other candidates, Dudaram and Randhir Panihar, for Fatehabad and Nalwa. The potential replacement of Deputy Speaker Ranveer Ganga with Panihar is causing internal debate within the party.