Congress leadership, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, held a crucial meeting with Haryana Congress leaders in Delhi. The main focus was on preparing for the upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections in Haryana, scheduled for September-October. The meeting, which lasted over two and a half hours, addressed several important issues facing the party in the state.
Keep Internal Matters Private
Rahul Gandhi strongly advised the Haryana Congress leaders to avoid making public statements about internal party matters. He emphasized the importance of keeping disagreements within the party private and not issuing statements against fellow leaders or the organization in the media. This call for unity comes at a critical time as the party prepares for the state elections.
Focus on Winnable Candidates
The meeting also discussed the criteria for selecting candidates for the upcoming state polls. Party leaders agreed that "winnability" should be the key factor in deciding who will contest the elections. This approach suggests that the Congress is prioritizing candidates who have the best chance of winning their seats, regardless of other factors.
Strengthening Party Organization
One of the major concerns raised during the meeting was the lack of organization at the district level. The party leaders acknowledged that there were no office-bearers at the district level, which could hinder their electoral prospects. This issue was discussed as part of the broader strategy to strengthen the party's presence across Haryana.
Criticism of BJP's Performance
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took to Twitter after the meeting to criticize the BJP's 10-year rule in Haryana. He accused the BJP of betraying farmers and youth, rigging recruitment exams, and failing to add electricity to the power sector. Kharge also highlighted issues such as increased crime rates and the controversial Agnipath scheme, which he claimed has negatively impacted Haryana's soldiers.
Positive Outlook for Upcoming Elections
Despite the challenges, the Congress leadership expressed optimism about their prospects in the upcoming state elections. They cited the party's performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections, where the Congress-led alliance was ahead in 46 constituencies with a vote share of 47.61%. The party won five out of the nine seats it contested in Haryana.
As the Haryana Congress gears up for the Vidhan Sabha elections, the party leadership is clearly focusing on presenting a united front. By addressing internal disputes and emphasizing the need for a strong organizational structure, they hope to build on their recent Lok Sabha success and challenge the BJP's hold on the state government.