HARYANA: As the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections nears, the Congress party is grappling with internal conflicts that may hinder its chances of reclaiming power after a decade. Voting is set for October 5, with the results expected on October 8.

Of the 90 seats in the Haryana Assembly, Congress has announced candidates for 41 seats, while the remaining 49 candidates are yet to be confirmed.

Following the announcement of the first 41 candidates, several Congress leaders expressed dissatisfaction, leading to resignations and defections. The internal rift has raised concerns about the party’s ability to unite ahead of the elections, potentially jeopardizing its prospects of regaining control in Haryana.

For instance, the nomination of Renu Bala in Sadhaura prompted leaders Brijpal and Pinki Chappar to exit the party. Similarly, former Minister Ramkumar Valmiki decided to contest independently in Nilokheri. In Shahbad, Prem Hingakhedi expressed discontent with Ramkaran Kala's nomination, who joined Congress from JJP. Baroda’s Jitendra Hooda is also considering an independent run after Induraj Singh Narwal received the ticket. Meanwhile, Dr. Kapoor Narwal, a close associate of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, resigned due to internal disagreements. In Julana, Parminder Singh Dhul and other leaders were displeased with the nomination of Vinesh Phogat.

The tension between Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Congress General Secretary Kumari Shailaja has become increasingly evident. Shailaja has openly stated her aspirations for the Chief Minister post, and in her campaign, she claimed that party workers refer to her as the CM. However, Hooda’s influence over candidate selection has sparked further discontent. While Congress initially aimed to form an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the plan fell through over seat-sharing disagreements, forcing Congress to contest all 90 seats independently.

In 2019, Congress secured 31 seats while the BJP won 40 seats and formed the government in alliance with JJP. With factionalism within Congress on the rise, the coming election presents a significant challenge for the party.

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