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.