New Delhi: After its defeat in Haryana, the Congress leadership finds itself in a tough spot. The party has appointed senior leader V.K. Hariprasad as in-charge general secretary, but uncertainty remains over whether he can find a middle ground. His biggest challenge will be reaching a consensus on the names for state president and legislative party leader.
For the past 25 years, the Gandhi family has struggled to make independent decisions regarding Haryana. This time, all eyes are on Rahul Gandhi to see if he can take a bold step, as the party’s influence in the state is already diminishing. Angering any faction could prove risky. Sources suggest that some leaders have even threatened to split the party, and speculation is rife that a few Congress MLAs are in talks with the BJP. The party’s current crisis is being attributed to Rahul Gandhi’s alleged indifference toward state affairs.
Had Rahul Gandhi taken strict action against those responsible for the Haryana debacle, the situation might have been different. As always, Congress failed to hold anyone accountable for the loss. Following the defeat, the Congress Working Committee formed a panel led by former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel and Rajasthan leader Harish Chaudhary to analyze the reasons behind the loss. However, their findings remained unclear. Ironically, both leaders were later rewarded—Baghel was made Punjab in-charge, while Chaudhary, who had lost his post after Punjab’s defeat, was handed charge of Madhya Pradesh. Meanwhile, a bigger setback for Congress had already unfolded in Maharashtra, adding to the party’s troubles.
Confusion Over Action Against Leaders
Congress leadership remains confused about whom to take action against. While Maharashtra got a new state president, Haryana continues to be a major headache. Before the elections, Rahul Gandhi had placed complete trust in former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda and his MP son Deepender Hooda. His close advisors, Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal and Treasurer Ajay Maken, also heavily endorsed the Hooda family, assuming victory was certain. They had even begun planning for the post-election scenario. However, as polling day approached, they sensed an impending defeat.
Sensing the loss, Maken reportedly pressured his relatives to facilitate the return of former Congress leader Ashok Tanwar, who had previously left the party. Despite Tanwar’s return, Congress could not prevent the inevitable defeat.
New Power Struggle Emerges
Following the election setback, another power struggle erupted within Haryana Congress. Senior leaders Randeep Singh Surjewala and Kumari Selja staked their claim over the state unit, seeking key leadership positions for their loyalists. However, the Hooda faction is unwilling to relinquish control. With Venugopal and Maken unable to intervene, the party is stuck in a deadlock.
For Rahul Gandhi, Haryana remains as challenging today as it was when he entered politics 25 years ago. Neither he nor his mother, Sonia Gandhi, has ever been able to make independent decisions regarding the state. They have consistently acted under pressure from various factions. The question now is, will Rahul Gandhi finally take a decisive stand, or will he once again bow to political pressure.
