Hooda or Selja- Who is going to be Congress 's CM Face?

Hooda vs. Selja: The Battle for the Top Job

The Congress party in Haryana is treading carefully when it comes to announcing its Chief Ministerial candidate for the upcoming state elections. Two distinct formulas have emerged, reflecting the internal power dynamics within the party.

The first formula suggests that if the Congress secures a clear majority, then former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda would be the natural choice to lead the government. However, if the party falls short of the magical number of 46 seats, the party would look to accommodate independents and smaller parties, paving the way for Hooda's return as CM.

The second formula favors Kumari Selja, the four-time Member of Parliament and a Rajya Sabha member, as the Congress's CM face. This option would come into play if the party manages to win 50 or more seats in the Assembly. The 63-year-old Selja has expressed her desire to enter Haryana's political landscape multiple times and is seen as a formidable challenger to Hooda.

Congress's Dilemma: Appeasing Rival Factions

The Congress's high command has been forced to devise these dual formulas due to the ongoing tussle between the Hooda and Selja camps within the party. While Selja and senior leader Randeep Singh Surjewala enjoy the backing of the party's central leadership, Hooda also maintains close ties with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

The party's screening committee meeting, attended by Deepak Babaria, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Kumari Selja, and Randeep Singh Surjewala, underscores the delicate balancing act the Congress is attempting to perform. The party does not want to antagonize any of the influential factions, leading to the formulation of these two scenarios.

The Haryana Story's Take:

The Congress's dilemma over the Chief Ministerial candidate in Haryana highlights the party's efforts to navigate the complex political landscape of the state. By exploring dual formulas, the party aims to ensure a smooth transition of power, should it emerge victorious in the upcoming elections. The tug-of-war between the Hooda and Selja camps reflects the internal power dynamics that the Congress must address to present a united front and capitalize on the anti-incumbency sentiment against the ruling BJP government.