Power Shift in Haryana Congress? Choudhry's Exit Powered up Hooda Camp

The departure of Kiran Choudhry, a Congress MLA, and her daughter Shruti, a former MP, from the party to join the BJP has dealt a blow to the 'SRK' group comprising Hooda's rivals. This move is expected to strengthen Hooda's grip on the Haryana Congress, particularly in the critical Sonepat-Jhajjar-Rohtak-Bhiwani-Hisar belt. 

Factionalism in Haryana Congress Intensifies 

The factionalism within the Haryana Congress has been simmering for some time, with two distinct camps emerging – one led by veteran leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda and the other comprising Selja Kumari, Randeep Surjewala, and Kiran Choudhry, collectively known as the 'SRK' group. Kiran Choudhry's exit from the party, along with her daughter Shruti, has further widened the rift, dealing a significant blow to the 'SRK' group's influence. 

Hooda Camp Gains Momentum 

With Kiran Choudhry's departure, the Hooda camp is likely to gain a stronger foothold in the Haryana Congress. Hooda's influence was already evident in the recent Lok Sabha elections, where four out of the five Congress candidates elected owed allegiance to his group. The absence of Kiran Choudhry, a prominent member of the opposing faction, is expected to further consolidate Hooda's position within the party. 

Ticket Distribution Battle Looms 

As the Haryana Assembly elections approach, the distribution of tickets is set to become a contentious issue within the Congress party. With the 'SRK' group weakened by Kiran Choudhry's exit, the Hooda camp is likely to have greater influence in the allocation of tickets, particularly in the crucial Sonepat-Jhajjar-Rohtak-Bhiwani-Hisar belt. This could further deepen the existing fissures within the party, making it a challenging task for the Congress to present a united front in the upcoming elections. 

In simple terms, the defection of Kiran Choudhry and her daughter Shruti from the Congress to the BJP has given a significant boost to Bhupinder Singh Hooda's faction within the Haryana Congress. With the 'SRK' group weakened, Hooda's grip on the party is expected to strengthen, especially in the critical Sonepat-Jhajjar-Rohtak-Bhiwani-Hisar region. However, this development also highlights the ongoing factionalism within the Congress, which could pose challenges as the party gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections in Haryana.