Congress Faces Internal Disputes Over Haryana Seats
The Congress party is encountering difficulties in finalizing candidates for the upcoming Haryana elections. Disagreements between state and central leaders are complicating the process. Congress leaders in Haryana are resistant to giving up too many of the 90 available seats. There is also tension over seat allocation with the AAP, as some seats identified by Arvind Kejriwal’s party conflict with those former Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda wishes to reserve for his allies.
The Congress and AAP announced an ‘in-principle’ agreement on Wednesday following Rahul Gandhi’s push for an alliance to avoid vote splitting. Initially, the AAP sought 10 seats, but the Congress offered only five to seven, with a possible additional seat for Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party. The Congress is citing past performance and prominent candidates like wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia to strengthen its position against the BJP.
BJP Grapples with Internal Conflicts
The BJP is dealing with internal strife after releasing its first list of 67 candidates. Jails Minister Ranjit Chautala and MLA Lakshman Napa have resigned following ticket denials. Chautala plans to run as an independent, while Napa is expected to join the Congress. Chautala, the son of respected leader Devi Lal Chaudhary, had hoped to contest from Rania but was replaced by Shishpal Kamboj.
Additionally, Karan Dev Kamboj has stepped down as head of the BJP’s OBC Morcha state unit, criticizing the party for favoring recent joiners over loyal members.
A notable candidate on the BJP list is former prison official Sunil Sangwan, who controversially granted parole to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Ram Rahim multiple times.
Election Schedule and Impact
The Haryana Assembly election is set for October 5, delayed from October 1 to accommodate the Bishnoi community’s Asoj Amavasya festival on October 2. Results for the Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir elections will be announced on October 8.