Hooda asserts strong contender status for CM's post and affirms continuation

Former Haryana Chief Minister, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, has expressed his strong candidacy for the chief minister's position if the Congress party forms the next government in the state. Amid ongoing discord within the Congress leadership in Haryana, Hooda made his ambitions clear during an interaction with the media at the Jan Milan Samaroh event in Karnal.

Hooda stated that while the people of the state and party MLAs would ultimately elect the chief minister, he considers himself a strong contender for the role and intends to remain one. He confidently affirmed that the people of Haryana have resolved to remove the non-performing BJP government and that the Congress party would assume power in the state.

Addressing leadership disputes 

Responding to allegations by Congress leaders Randeep Surjewala and Kumari Selja, who met with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and voiced concerns about the appointment of party observers in Haryana, Hooda maintained that such interactions with the party president were common and should not raise objections. He emphasized that there were no internal differences within the Congress, asserting that any perceived discord was possibly fueled by outside influences.

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Hooda, currently serving as the leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, explained that the programs were conducted in the presence of Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee president Udaibhan to gather feedback from the public about the government's performance. However, when questioned about his candidacy in the next Lok Sabha election, Hooda declined to provide a definitive answer.

Critique of the BJP-led state government

Hooda has been critical of the BJP-led state government, highlighting concerns about the state's deteriorating financial health, escalating debt, inflation, and unemployment. He accused the government of prioritizing political events over addressing these issues, leading to Haryana's unfavorable rankings in various aspects.

During the Congress's previous tenure, Hooda pointed out that Haryana excelled in per capita income, per capita investment, law and order, and employment. He pledged that if the Congress regains power in the state, Haryana would return to the top ranks in terms of development.

Accompanied by Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee president Udaibhan, MP Deepender Hooda, and other Congress leaders, Hooda received a warm welcome from Congress workers in Karnal, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's constituency. Representatives from various social and religious organizations and market associations also extended their greetings to Hooda during the event.

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Hooda expressed concern over youth migration due to unemployment and vowed that the Congress government would create more employment opportunities within the state. Additionally, he emphasized that the Congress manifesto would prioritize women's issues.

Haryana Congress president Chaudhary Udaibhan echoed Hooda's sentiments, stating that the people of Haryana were eager for change, and the Congress party would secure a majority in the state and win all 10 Lok Sabha seats. Udaibhan also criticized the government for delaying paddy procurement, forcing farmers to sell their produce below the Minimum Support Price (MSP).