Congress Campaign in Haryana Rests on Bhupinder Singh Hooda's Shoulders

As Haryana gears up for its upcoming elections, the Congress party's campaign strategy has raised eyebrows among political observers. Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has emerged as the sole prominent face of the party's efforts in the state, with national leaders conspicuously absent from the campaign trail so far.

Hooda's One-Man Show

At 78 years old, Hooda is demonstrating remarkable energy and commitment to the Congress cause. He has been conducting an impressive 11 to 12 public meetings daily, often holding multiple rallies in a single constituency. His schedule is packed with press conferences, interviews, and overseeing new party joinings. On September 18, Hooda took center stage in Delhi to announce the party's seven guarantees, highlighting his central role in the campaign.

The former Chief Minister's efforts are in response to requests from most Congress candidates in Haryana. "It is true. Almost all the candidates have requested me for campaigning," Hooda confirmed. His focus appears to be on consolidating the Jat vote bank, a crucial demographic for the Congress in the state.

Contrasting Campaign Strategies

The Congress approach stands in stark contrast to its main rivals. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has already deployed its big guns, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding a rally in Kurukshetra and planning three more after his US visit. Home Minister Amit Shah has also been active in the state, addressing rallies in Faridabad and Loharu.

Similarly, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is leveraging its national leadership, with party convener and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal conducting roadshows and planning multiple rallies across Haryana.

The absence of Congress national figures like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from the campaign so far has not gone unnoticed. While party president Mallikarjun Kharge is scheduled to visit Ambala and Gharaunda on September 23, the programs for other top leaders remain uncertain.

Political analysts are divided on the effectiveness of the Congress strategy. One School of thought warns that relying heavily on a single state leader could backfire, citing a similar approach in Madhya Pradesh that didn't yield favorable results for the party.

"It has become national leadership of the BJP vs. Hooda in Haryana," experts observed. He suggests that this approach might indicate a weak high command within the Congress, contrasting it with the BJP's strategy of deploying national leaders to counter local anti-incumbency sentiments. 

As the election draws nearer, all eyes will be on whether the Congress adjusts its strategy or continues to bet big on Bhupinder Singh Hooda's personal appeal and campaign efforts. The Haryana Story will continue to bring you the latest developments related to the state election.