The Congress is gearing up for Haryana Assembly elections with renewed optimism, driven by its strong performance in the recent Lok Sabha polls. Winning five out of 10 seats and increasing its vote share from 28.42% in 2019 to 43.67% this time has boosted the party’s confidence. However, beneath this optimism lies an ongoing power struggle that has long plagued the party: the rivalry between Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Kumari Selja, two of the most powerful figures in the Haryana Congress.
Congress’ Road to Recovery
The Congress high command is aware that factionalism is a significant hurdle. Their rivalry is not just a battle of egos; it is a clash of ideologies, power bases, and visions for the party’s future in Haryana. Hooda, the former Chief Minister, has been the face of the party in Haryana for years, but his leadership has been continuously challenged by Selja. Recently, posters of Selja, an MP from Sirsa, have appeared across the state. These posters signal her intent to contest in the state elections, reigniting the tensions within the party.
Hooda has downplayed any notion of internal conflict. “There is no infighting in Congress. We are a democratic organisation. There can be a difference of opinions. When the party decides, everyone unites,” Hooda said.
Selja’s Bid for Power
Selja’s recent announcement that she intends to return to state politics has been seen by many as a direct challenge to Hooda’s dominance within the party. Her supporters argue that she is the right candidate to lead the Congress in the state. Hooda’s loyalists believe the position belongs to him.
Despite their frosty relationship, both Hooda and Selja are seen as crucial to the Congress’s chances in Haryana. Hooda, with his strong Jat backing, and Selja, as the party’s Dalit face, bring significant clout to the table. Her close relationship with Sonia Gandhi also helps her case. However, their inability to work together has often resulted in a fragmented campaign that benefits their rivals.
Back in 2019, Selja, along with Randeep Singh Surjewala and Kiran Choudhary, launched the Congress Sandesh Yatra in Hisar, an attempt to counter Hooda’s ‘Ghar Ghar Congress’ campaign. This move exposed the deep divisions within the party. Hooda and Selja were tasked with reviving the party, but their efforts were hampered by their feud. “There’s no infighting now. All the party’s top state leaders will work together in the polls to give a strong fight to BJP,” Selja had said at the time. Yet, the election results told a different story, with the party facing a crushing defeat.
The High Command’s Balancing Act
In an effort to project unity, the high command has refrained from announcing a pre-poll Chief Ministerial candidate, despite pressure from the Hooda camp to name their leader as the party’s face for the upcoming elections.
Selja faction argues that the party should not project a leader when it is in opposition. “Whenever there is a party government, the Chief Minister leads the election. As per past practice, the party never projects anyone when we are in the opposition,” Selja said.
AICC in-charge Deepak Babaria has been tasked with managing the situation. However, Babaria’s role has been particularly challenging, as he is seen by Selja’s camp as being aligned with Hooda. Selja has been vocal in her criticism. “There are many people who want to go alone. I cannot say anything when someone is determined not to cooperate,” she said expressing her frustration with both Hooda and Babaria.
When the Congress planned yatras to highlight the BJP government’s failures in managing unemployment, inflation, and law and order and instructed state leaders to present a united front, the rival factions organised parallel yatras.
Hooda’s faction has been working tirelessly to consolidate its position, with Hooda’s son, Deepender Hooda, leading the ‘Haryana Mange Hisab’ yatra. This move is seen as an attempt to cement the Hooda family’s influence within the party, especially as Bhupinder Singh Hooda has hinted that this might be his final Assembly election. On the other hand, Selja’s padyatra was interpreted as her bid to create a parallel power centre within the party.
The Stakes and Strategic Moves
The Haryana assembly election is critical for Congress, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Experts suggest that the Congress has a fair chance of returning to power in Haryana, especially if it can capitalise on the anti-incumbency sentiment against the BJP. The party’s draft poll manifesto promises a range of populist measures, including a monthly social security pension of Rs 6,000, 300 units of free electricity, subsidised LPG cylinders, the restoration of the old pension scheme (OPS), and 100 square yard plots with two-room houses for the poor. These promises are designed to appeal to a broad cross-section of voters, but their effectiveness will depend largely on the party’s ability to present a united front.
