In preparation for the upcoming Assembly elections, the Haryana Congress has initiated a robust campaign titled ‘Haryana Maange Hisab Abhiyan’ aimed squarely at the incumbent BJP government. The campaign, unveiled during a press conference led by State Congress Chief Udai Bhan and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda in Chandigarh, marks a strategic move to highlight what the party alleges are significant failures of the BJP administration over the past decade. Addressing the media, Udai Bhan underscored multiple grievances against the state government, focusing particularly on issues of unemployment, law and order, and the welfare of farmers. He presented a detailed ‘charge sheet’ outlining these concerns, accusing the BJP of neglecting essential sectors crucial to the state’s development.
“The BJP government in Haryana has failed miserably on various fronts,” stated Bhan, emphasizing the severity of unemployment with approximately two lakh government positions vacant across sectors such as education, police, and health. He also raised alarms over rising crime rates, labelling Haryana as the “most unsafe state” under the current administration.
The Congress leaders highlighted instances of alleged corruption and paper leaks during the BJP’s tenure, further adding to their critique of the governance under Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. They also pointed out a significant rise in atrocities against Dalits and an alarming increase in crimes against women, claiming that the BJP’s policies have exacerbated social divisions and insecurity among marginalized communities.In addition to these pressing issues, Bhupinder Singh Hooda announced plans for a comprehensive statewide campaign starting July 15, aimed not only at exposing governmental failures but also at soliciting public feedback to shape the Congress manifesto for the upcoming elections.
“When our party forms the government, people’s problems can be solved effectively,” asserted Hooda, expressing confidence in the Congress’s ability to address the state’s challenges once in power. The press conference also saw the participation of several senior Congress leaders, I including former Union Minister Birender Singh and Lok Sabha MPs Deepender Singh Hooda, Varun Chaudhary, and Satpal Brahmachari. Their presence underscored the party’s united front in its campaign against the BJP’s governance record.
Birender Singh, who recently rejoined the Congress after a stint with the BJP, criticized the ruling party for its divisive politics and questioned its suitability as an alternative in national politics. He emphasized the need for inclusive governance and unity, suggesting that parties resorting to divisive tactics should not hold a prominent position in India’s political landscape.
Responding to queries about potential alliances and election strategies, Bhupinder Singh Hooda reiterated the Congress’s stance of contesting all 90 seats independently, dismissing speculation about coalition talks. He also affirmed that decisions regarding the chief ministerial candidate would be made collectively by elected MLAs and the party’s high command.
Looking ahead, the Congress leaders announced plans for a ‘Rath Yatra’ across Haryana post-August 20, aiming to mobilize support and galvanize voters ahead of the elections. They expressed confidence that the electorate would reject smaller parties perceived as ‘vote cutters,’ reinforcing the narrative of a direct contest between the Congress and the BJP in the upcoming polls. As the ‘Haryana Maange Hisab’ campaign gains momentum, political analysts anticipate intensified electoral dynamics in the state, with both major parties gearing up for a closely contested battle that could determine the future political landscape of Haryana.
