Haryana Assembly Elections 2024: Is There An Internal Rift In Congress?

The Congress party, confident in its ability to defeat the BJP in Haryana, is facing internal divisions as the crucial Assembly polls are set to take place on October 5. Tensions have surfaced between veteran leader and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and prominent Dalit leader Kumari Selja. Reports indicate that Selja has been distancing herself from the campaign.

In light of this discord, Union Minister and former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar recently invited Kumari Selja to join the BJP, emphasizing the alleged infighting within the Haryana Congress. Khattar pointed out the ambiguity surrounding the Congress’s chief ministerial candidate, noting that there is considerable internal conflict. He mentioned a dispute between Bhupinder Singh Hooda and his son, Deepender Hooda, regarding the chief ministerial candidacy, suggesting that both express their intentions to take on the role. Khattar also highlighted the aspirations of other leaders within the party for the position.

Disputes over ticket distribution

Regarding Selja’s absence from the campaign, Khattar remarked on the situation, indicating that many people are questioning their next steps and expressed readiness to welcome Selja into the BJP. When asked if Selja might join the BJP, he remarked on the uncertainty of possibilities, stating that clarity would come at the appropriate time.

Reports suggest that the rift in the Haryana Congress is rooted in disputes over ticket distribution for the assembly polls. Selja allegedly sought 30 to 35 tickets for her faction but secured only 13 out of 90 available, which included those for sitting MLAs.

Party is united, says Congress

In contrast, the central Congress leadership awarded 72 tickets to Bhupinder Hooda’s faction. Selja’s frustration intensified when she could not obtain a ticket for her close ally, Dr. Ajay Chaudhary, in the Narnaund constituency. The situation worsened when a Congress worker made a casteist remark against Selja during a nomination event, angering her supporters and exacerbating discontent within the Dalit community.

Despite the apparent discord, senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram has attempted to downplay the issue, claiming that neither Selja nor Hooda has made negative remarks about each other, thus asserting the party’s unity as they prepare for the elections.

Kumari Selja’s absence from the Congress campaign

Kumari Selja’s absence from the party’s campaign has highlighted the ongoing internal conflict with the Hooda camp. Reports indicate that she has not participated in campaign activities for the past week, suggesting continued tensions within the party in the election-bound state.

Reports reveal that Selja is dissatisfied with the preferential treatment given to the Hooda camp by the party’s leadership. She is reportedly unhappy that Hooda’s candidates received more tickets than those from her faction, despite previous assurances to the contrary. Reports mention that it appears the elections are being conducted solely under Hooda’s leadership, while Selja has been actively involved in campaigning for a long time.

Bhupender Singh Hooda denies allegations of internal rifts

Of the 90 candidates announced by Congress, only eight loyalists from Selja’s camp received tickets. Notable supporters such as sitting MLAs Shalley Chaudhary (Naraingarh), Shamsher Singh Gogi (Assandh), Pradeep Chaudhary (Kalka), and Renu Bala (Sadhaura – SC) are included. Other candidates from Selja’s faction include former Deputy Chief Minister Chander Mohan (Panchkula), former Assembly Speaker Akram Khan (Jagadhri), and Ramniwas Rara (Hisar).

Meanwhile, Bhupender Singh Hooda has denied allegations of internal rifts, asserting that there is no factionalism within the party. He emphasized that out of 2,500 applicants, only 20 emerged as prominent candidates, downplaying the significance of the remaining candidates and contrasting the situation with the BJP, where he noted conflicting statements from different leaders.

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