As Haryana eagerly awaits its assembly election results on Tuesday, the spotlight has intensified on internal political maneuvers within the Congress party, with veteran leader and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and senior Congress leader Kumari Selja emerging as key figures in the race for leadership.
In a strong statement ahead of the results, Hooda reiterated his catchphrase declaring himself “neither tired nor retired,” reaffirming his readiness to serve if chosen, while emphasizing that the final decision on the chief ministerial candidate would rest with the party’s high command.
Speaking in Delhi on Monday, Hooda pointed out that Congress’s performance in Haryana has significantly improved across both Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha constituencies.
On the question of who will lead Haryana if the Congress secures a majority, Hooda stressed that the opinion of the party’s elected MLAs would be sought before the high command makes the final decision. “We will ask for the opinion of MLAs, and then the high command will make the final decision,” Hooda said, maintaining that he would accept whatever decision is made by the leadership.
Hooda’s remarks reflect a renewed sense of confidence in the Congress, which is hoping to capitalize on dissatisfaction with the BJP’s decade-long rule in the state. Hooda reminded voters of the Congress party’s achievements during his tenure as Chief Minister from 2005 to 2014, comparing them with what he called the failures of the BJP-led government from 2014 to 2024.
Other senior Congress leaders have also expressed confidence in the party’s performance. Supriya Shrinate, Congress spokesperson, echoed optimism about the party’s prospects in both Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir, stating, “I am fully assured that we will form a government of full majority in Haryana and J&K. The issues are unemployment, 10 years of ‘Jungle Raaj’ and disregard for youth and women. People have faith that if Congress comes to power, there will be investments and job opportunities.”