Haryana Congress fragmented between BRSK and RSKB factions

The political situation in Haryana has become both interesting and intriguing with return of Chaudhary Birendra Singh’s return to Congress. A new discussion has now started in the party as to where would Birendra fit in the equation of BRSK and RSKB. It is well known that the party is divided into two groups in the politics of Haryana Congress. The BRSK is the group of former Chief Minister Bhupendra Singh Hooda. The other group is RSK against this group of Hooda. R stands for, Randeep Singh Surjewala, S is for Shailja and K meas Kiran Choudhary. The real fight in Haryana Congress politics is between Hooda vs RSK. Both the groups keep demonstrating their strength separately.

On Tuesday, senior leader Birendra Singh made his return to the party after a ten-year absence. Notably, upon his return, prominent leaders from Haryana, such as former Chief Minister Bhupendra Hooda, party general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, Kumari Selja, and Kiran Choudhary, were all present. This concerted effort by the Congress aimed to send a message of unity and solidarity among party members in the state. His departure from the party a decade ago was influenced by two factors: Rahul Gandhi and Bhupendra Singh Hooda. Despite his aspiration to become the Chief Minister of Haryana, he found himself overshadowed by Hooda. Hooda was his primary political rival in the state. Feeling neglected during the UPA regime, Singh eventually joined the BJP, where his initial five years were comfortable and filled with contentment but later five were quite difficult and challenging. When Birendra was in Congress, he held the most senior position. However, upon joining the BJP, his seniority also came into question, leaving him in a fix. Disillusioned with the BJP, he has now returned to the Congress fold, potentially empowering the RSK group’s strength.

Amidst ambiguity regarding Singh’s role within the group—whether he will assume leadership or offer support; two potential outcomes can be anticipated with the positioning of RSK. If RSK is positioned behind, the formation of RSKB becomes likely, whereas if it is placed ahead, BRSK is anticipated. Hooda will be required to confront the BJP alongside this group. Although some leaders may participate in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the real battleground is expected to be the assembly elections scheduled for later this year.
This decision may significantly influence the formation of alliances and strategies, particularly concerning Hooda’s approach towards the BJP.