Congress Leaders Unite Ahead of Haryana Elections
In a significant display of unity, prominent Congress leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Kumari Selja joined forces at an election rally in Assandh, Karnal, alongside Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. This rally holds particular importance as Haryana prepares for its assembly elections scheduled on October 5, with tensions simmering within the Congress’s state unit.
The Context of Unity
The partnership between Hooda and Selja is seen as a strategic move by Congress to quell any rising discontent within its ranks, particularly amidst concerns regarding internal rivalries and dissatisfaction related to ticket distribution. This issue surfaced during the selection of candidates when it was reported that Hooda wielded considerable influence, securing 72 out of 90 tickets for his loyalists, while Selja was only able to secure nine tickets for her supporters.
Internal Dynamics: A Closer Look
The recent elections for the Haryana assembly have highlighted the factionalism within Congress. According to reports, Selja, often portrayed as Hooda’s main rival, experienced setbacks in the ticket distribution process, as she was unable to secure a ticket for her close associate Dr. Ajay Chaudhary from Narnaund in Hisar district.
Amidst growing concerns about her role within the party, Selja largely remained absent from the campaign scene until invited by the top Congress leadership to re-engage. Her meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge was described as pivotal in rejuvenating her commitment to the party’s campaign, aimed at a decisive victory in the upcoming elections.
Rahul Gandhi’s Influence
When Rahul Gandhi arrived in Karnal for the rally, both leaders were present to receive him, signaling a united front. Images of Selja presenting a bouquet to Gandhi, with a supportive Hooda nearby, resonated on social media, emphasizing the party’s renewed spirit.
During the rally, Selja proclaimed, “Rahul Gandhi’s fearless voice has raised the Congress flag across the country, and now under his leadership, we are going to form a Congress government in Haryana with an overwhelming majority.”
Addressing Key Issues and Promises
In his address, Rahul Gandhi confidently asserted that Congress is poised to win the upcoming elections, directly challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi on pressing issues like unemployment. He accused the Prime Minister of dismantling the employment framework in India, highlighting the struggles of individuals seeking better opportunities outside their state due to a lack of local employment options.
Gandhi outlined several key electoral promises aimed at addressing local grievances, including:
| Promise | Details |
|---|---|
| Financial Support for Women | Rs 2,000 per month to eligible women |
| Affordable LPG Cylinders | Price capped at Rs 500 each |
| Job Creation | Filling two lakh vacant posts in Haryana |
| Minimum Support Price Guarantee | Legal assurance for farmers’ minimum support prices |
With voting for the 90 assembly seats in Haryana set for October 5 and the counting of votes on October 8, the Congress party is working diligently to present a united front and attract voter support in a competitive political landscape.
