Haryana political leaders uncertain about future

With the Assembly polls slated to be held next year, political factions in the state are leaving no stone unturned to strengthen their positions in what is expected to be multi-cornered. All political parties, with a stake in the race, have begun formulating ever possible strategy in a bid to emerge the victor. However, at the same time, sources reveal that there are many political veterans across party lines who are unsure about their future. They are BJP’s Chaudhary Birender Singh and Rao Inderjeet, as well as Congress ‘ Selja Kumari and Randeep Surjewala.

Chaudhary Birender Singh, who enjoys a prominent place in the state politics, is reportedly thinking about his the possible outcomes for both himself and his son, Brijender Singh. Brijender is a former IAS officers and a sitting MP from Hisar. However, both leaders have spoken out against the BJP at several instances, leading to some tensions within the party. Political experts believe that Birender may join hands with the Congress if he feels he is left with no choice. An additional factor is his rivalry with Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) stalwart and Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala.

Another BJP figure head, Union Minister Rao Inderjit SIngh, is believed to have been upset with the party for a while. Rao holds significant influence in South Haryana’s Ahirwal belt, which has 11 seats in the state Assembly. Rao’s supporters say he has been treated “unfairly” by the party. For instance, the Minister could not field a party ticket for his daughter Arti Singh Rao, which left him upset and seemingly mulling over his future with the BJP. As with Birender Singh, there is speculation that he could possibly join the Congress Party.

Notably, the JJP, which is a current ally of the state government, has gotten some reassurance from the BJP in terms of a future alliance. However, the Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala has news issues to tackle internally. Several party MLAs have opened a front against him directly or indirectly, including Ramkumar Gautam, Ramniwas Surjakheda, Devendra Babli and Ishwar Singh.

However, a similar situation prevails in the opposing Congress. Former state president and in-charge of Chhattisgarh Selja Kumari is reportedly unhappy with Bhupender Singh Hooda’s unilateral hold over the party. Likewise, Randeep Surjewala, who has been credited for the party’s victory in Karnataka as the party’s state in-charge, continues to be on the backfoot in his own state.

As Hooda’s faction continues to dominate the party, other leaders such as Kiran Chowdhary, continue to struggle for their continued political existence in
the party.