Hooda Promises to Re-open Shambhu Border if Congress Wins

Former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda has made a bold promise to reopen the Shambhu border, which has been closed since February due to farmers' protests. This declaration came during a rally in Ambala City, where Hooda criticized the current BJP government's handling of various issues, including the farmers' protests and overall development in the state.

Farmers' Concerns at the Forefront

Hooda expressed his disapproval of the BJP government's approach to the farmers' protests, stating, "India is a democratic country. I fail to understand why the farmers were stopped at the Shambhu border in an undemocratic manner. The government should have listened to the farmers and resolved their problems but they were cane-charged."

He went on to promise that if the Congress party comes to power, they will:

1. Attempt to reopen the Shambhu border 

2. Provide a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) to farmers in Haryana 

3. Push the central government to implement the recommendations of the Swaminathan report 

Development and Governance Issues

The former Chief Minister didn't hold back in his criticism of the BJP's 10-year tenure. Hooda claimed, "During the Congress rule, Haryana was No. 1 in terms of development, but under the BJP's rule, Haryana is No. 1 in unemployment, inflation, corruption and crime."

He further asserted that the people of Haryana have compared the 10-year tenures of both parties and have decided to support the Congress in the upcoming elections.

Party Unity and Campaign Dynamics

Addressing rumors of internal discord within the Congress party, Hooda dismissed claims that senior leader Kumari Selja was upset. He referred to Selja as a dedicated Congress leader from a long line of party loyalists. 

The rally, originally scheduled to be addressed by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, went ahead despite Kharge's absence due to health reasons. Hooda used the platform to appeal for votes for all Congress candidates in the region, including those aligned with different factions within the party.

As the election campaign heats up in Haryana, The Haryana Story will continue to bring you updates on the promises, criticisms, and strategies of all major political players in the state.