Haryana Congress Resolves Deadlock: Hooda Named CLP Leader, Rao Narender Singh Takes Over as HPCC Chief

The Congress party on Monday finally broke its year-long deadlock in Haryana by announcing key leadership appointments. Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has been named the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP), while Rao Narender Singh, a senior OBC leader, has been appointed as the new president of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC).

The decision was conveyed through a letter signed by AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, ending months of internal wrangling that had left the party paralysed after the Haryana Assembly elections, where the BJP returned to power.

Rao Narender Singh, 61, belongs to the influential Ahir (Yadav) community of South Haryana. A former health minister in Hooda’s cabinet, Singh joined Congress in 2009 and is seen as a neutral figure with good ties across factions. His appointment replaces Udai Bhan, an SC leader, and signals the party’s OBC outreach strategy.

Hooda’s elevation, however, did not come easily. Despite enjoying the backing of 29 of 37 Congress MLAs, his return as CLP leader was delayed for months due to resistance from rival camps. Names of other leaders, including Chander Mohan Bishnoi, were floated as alternatives. The Congress high command even sent observers, including former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, to gauge MLAs’ opinions.

While Hooda eventually secured majority support, the leadership was cautious about not sidelining other senior figures such as Kumari Selja and Randeep Surjewala. Party insiders admit that the prolonged delay exposed deep factionalism, creating mistrust within the state unit.

According to sources, a report submitted by senior leader Bhupesh Baghel highlighted how lack of unity and visible differences among senior leaders damaged the Congress campaign last year, alongside alleged vote manipulation.

With the new appointments, Hooda has once again established his dominance in Haryana politics, while Rao Narender Singh’s leadership is expected to balance caste equations and revive the party ahead of upcoming elections. The Congress has also expressed “appreciation” for outgoing HPCC chief Udai Bhan for his services.