Congress MP Kumari Selja has quashed rumors of her possible defection to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), affirming her continued allegiance to the Congress. Addressing the speculation, Selja stated, “Selja toh Congressi hai,” and emphasized that she is not upset with the party.
Speaking in an interview the Sirsa MP reiterated her loyalty to Congress, downplaying reports of dissatisfaction. “Why would Selja go? Delhi is a hub where a lot of illogical things go around… But people of my state know me well. I am not upset with Congress,” she said, adding that occasional differences and discussions are natural within the party.
When asked about the treatment of Dalit leaders in Congress, Selja acknowledged that every community has its own political expectations. However, she dismissed claims of neglect, saying, “Politics is the game of perception… Nobody can get 100 per cent tickets. It’s the party’s internal matter. I too am a part of the party, and so are others.”
On the return of former Congress leader Ashok Tanwar to the party, Selja revealed that she had prior knowledge of his decision. Tanwar, who once held the Sirsa seat and later joined the BJP ahead of the 2024 elections, rejoined Congress during Rahul Gandhi’s rally in Mahendragarh. Tanwar lost to Selja in Sirsa during the 2024 elections.
Selja expressed confidence in Congress’ preparation for the upcoming Haryana elections, crediting Rahul Gandhi’s “Bharat Jodo Yatra” for revitalizing the party’s momentum in the state. “The situation of Congress is really good right now. Work has been done, Rahul Gandhi has also worked, and the Congress president visited Haryana. Rahul’s yatra really made a difference,” she noted.
Haryana is set to go to the polls on October 5 to elect its 90-member state legislative assembly, with results expected on October 8. In the 2019 elections, BJP won 40 seats, while Congress secured 30.
