As the Haryana Assembly elections 2024 approach, internal strife and rebellion within the Congress party are growing, raising concerns about whether the party will once again be kept out of power. The fate of Congress in Haryana will be decided after the polling on October 5 and the counting of votes on October 8. In the meantime, the Congress is busy finalizing its candidate list, having already declared 41 out of the 90 candidates for the state assembly seats.
However, as soon as these 41 names were announced, dissatisfaction within the party became evident, leading to a wave of resignations and defections. Several leaders have left the Congress to join other parties, making it increasingly difficult for the party to make a comeback to power in Haryana after a decade.
Rising Rebellion in Congress After Candidate Announcement
Congress has announced candidates for 41 of the 90 seats in the Haryana Assembly, with the remaining 49 seats set to be revealed soon. However, the declaration of candidates has triggered a series of resignations and internal conflicts, putting the party in a precarious position. Many senior leaders have expressed their dissatisfaction by either leaving the party or deciding to contest the election independently. If this discontent continues, Congress’s dream of returning to power in Haryana after ten years may remain unfulfilled.
Factionalism and Internal Strife in Haryana Congress
The growing rebellion and internal strife in the Congress are becoming evident in several key constituencies. Some notable incidents include:
- Sadhura Constituency: After Renu Bala was nominated as the candidate, Brijpal and Pinky Chappar left the party.
- Nilokheri Constituency: Former Minister Ramkumar Valmiki has decided to contest as an independent candidate.
- Shahbad Constituency: Ramkaran Kala’s candidacy, who joined from JJP, has led to dissent from Prem Hingakheri.
- Baroda Constituency: The ticket given to Induraj Singh Narwal might prompt Jitendra Hooda to run as an independent candidate.
- Julana Constituency: Vinesh Phogat’s nomination has led to discontent among leaders like Parmendra Singh Dhul and others.
These events clearly indicate the brewing rebellion within the Congress, with several leaders threatening to contest independently or leave the party altogether, putting its prospects at risk.
Bhupinder Singh Hooda vs Kumari Selja: Power Struggle in Congress
The factionalism within Haryana Congress is no longer hidden, particularly between former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Congress General Secretary Kumari Selja, a prominent Dalit face from Sirsa. Kumari Selja has openly declared her claim for the chief ministerial position, while Bhupinder Singh Hooda has been a dominant force in selecting the party’s candidates and asserting his leadership.
Recently, Congress released a list of 32 candidates on September 6, where Hooda’s influence was clear. Out of the 32, 28 candidates are reportedly from the Hooda camp, while only four candidates are aligned with Kumari Selja. This imbalance has led to growing frustration within Selja’s faction.
In an interview with News18 India, Kumari Selja took a direct jab at Bhupinder Singh Hooda, stating that he should resolve the question of leadership within his own house. Selja has positioned herself as a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s post, claiming that party workers across the state already refer to her as “CM.”
Congress’s Position in the Haryana Election
The last two assembly elections in Haryana, held in 2014 and 2019, saw the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coming to power. In the 2019 election, BJP secured 40 seats, while Congress won 31 seats. The BJP formed a government by forging an alliance with the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP), which won 10 seats.
This time, Congress attempted to form an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), but the talks failed due to disagreements over seat-sharing. Although Rahul Gandhi had supported the idea of an alliance, Congress is now contesting all 90 seats on its own.
Will Rebels and Factionalism Hurt Congress?
The ongoing rebellion and factionalism within Congress could severely affect the party’s electoral prospects. Independent candidates and dissenters in key constituencies could eat into Congress’s vote bank, benefitting its rival, the BJP.
Congress’s Path to Power in Jeopardy
The Haryana Assembly election presents Congress with a chance to return to power, but the growing internal rebellion and factionalism may derail its hopes. With leaders like Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Kumari Selja clashing over leadership and ticket distribution, the party’s internal dynamics are weakening its position.
As the election approaches, it remains to be seen whether Congress can overcome these internal challenges, or if the rebellion and infighting will once again keep the party from reclaiming power in Haryana.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.