Hooda's Future Hangs in Balance as Congress Debates Leadership

Former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda faces uncertainty over Legislature Party leader position amid post-election analysis and internal party tensions

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October 16, 2024

In the wake of a narrow defeat in the recent Haryana state elections, the Congress party finds itself at a crossroads. The biggest question on everyone's mind: Will former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda retain his position as the Legislature Party leader?

A Close Race with High Stakes

The October 2024 elections in Haryana were a nail-biter. The BJP secured a historic third win with 48 seats and 39.94% of the vote share. The Congress, led by Hooda, came in a close second with 37 seats and 39.09% of the votes - a mere 0.85% difference.

Despite the loss, Hooda's influence is clear. Of the 37 Congress MLAs who won, 28 are considered part of his camp. This strong showing has many believing Hooda should continue as the Legislature Party leader, a role that would also make him the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly.

Party Divisions and Dissent

However, the path forward isn't simple. A rival faction within the Congress, led by Sirsa MP Kumari Selja and Randeep Singh Surjewala, holds sway over six winning candidates. Three more are considered neutral.

Selja, who had expressed dissatisfaction with ticket distribution before the elections, has been vocal in her criticism. She blamed the state party unit and ticket distribution for the defeat, hinting at discontent with Hooda's leadership.

High Command's Decision Looms

The Congress high command, led by Rahul Gandhi, will play a crucial role in the final decision. A meeting to elect the new Legislature Party leader is scheduled for October 18 in Chandigarh. Central observers, including former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, will gather feedback from the MLAs.

Hooda himself remains cautious, stating, "The party will decide," when asked about his chances of becoming the CLP leader.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

As the Congress party in Haryana navigates these turbulent waters, it must also address larger issues. A high-level committee has been tasked with analyzing the reasons behind the party's loss, including both political factors and potential EVM-related discrepancies.

The decisions made in the coming days will shape not only the party's strategy in the state assembly but also its preparation for future electoral battles in Haryana.