The Congress Party in Haryana is grappling with an escalating crisis as it seeks to appoint a new Leader of the Opposition and is facing pressure to decide a new president for the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC).
This turmoil comes on the heels of a disappointing performance in the recent assembly elections, where Congress managed to secure only 37 of the 90 seats. The high command is now tasked with resolving deep-seated internal divisions, which have emerged starkly between two rival factions led by former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja.
The split within the party has turned contentious as both groups lay claim to the critical leadership positions. Hooda, a Jat leader, has a substantial backing among the MLAs, with 33 out of the 37 elected members considered to be in his camp. In contrast, only four MLAs are aligned with Selja, who is also pushing for her reinstatement as HPCC president after the departure of Udai Bhan, who suffered a significant defeat in the Hodal assembly constituency.
In a bid to unify the party, the Congress convened a Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting in Chandigarh last month, attended by senior observers appointed by the All India Congress Committee (AICC), including Ashok Gehlot, Ajay Maken, T.S. Singh Deo, and Partap Bajwa. Despite extensive one-on-one consultations with MLAs to gauge preferences for the next CLP leader, the meeting concluded without consensus, leaving the final decision squarely on the shoulders of the high command.
Reports suggest that the internal conflict has not only stalled the appointment of a CLP leader but has also threatened to exacerbate the party’s woes. The upcoming winter session of the assembly, set to commence on November 8, adds urgency to the leadership appointments. The high command is now under pressure to announce the new leaders before the session begins, amid fears that further delays could lead to increased dissent within the ranks.
The stakes are particularly high for Selja, who, despite her past leadership role, faces strong opposition from Hooda’s faction, which is rallying against her potential reappointment.
Sources indicate that Hooda’s camp has proposed alternative candidates, including Ashok Arora for the HPCC presidency and Geeta Bhukkal for the CLP leader position, as a strategy to thwart Selja’s ascent.
Political analysts argue that the ongoing discord is a primary factor behind Congress’s recent electoral defeat. They believe that had Hooda and Selja collaborated more effectively, the party might have secured a stronger position in the assembly. The intra-party rivalry has evidently weakened the party’s campaign and strategic efforts, resulting in a significant setback in a state that was once considered a stronghold.
As the situation unfolds, the high command is exploring potential compromises to prevent the complete erosion of party unity. Party sources said that there are discussions regarding appointing a leader for the CLP who could foster collaboration rather than continuing the rivalry that has hampered Congress’s progress. Meanwhile, the urgency to announce leadership changes grows, with many hoping that a resolution can be reached before the assembly session begins.
Political observers contend that the Congress party high command must tread cautiously in its next moves, as reconciling the two rival factions has become increasingly challenging in the wake of the assembly elections. The widening rift between the groups presents a significant hurdle, placing the high command at a pivotal juncture. The decisions made in the coming days will not only determine the future leadership of the party in Haryana but could also have lasting implications for its political viability in the state.
