Deepender Hooda claims Congress's 'Padak Lao, Pad Pao' policy led to Olympic success

Deepender Hooda, a Congress Member of Parliament from Rohtak, is traveling across Haryana as part of his "Haryana Mange Hisaab" (Haryana Demands Accountability) campaign. During his recent visits to Pataudi and Kharkhoda, Hooda strongly criticized the BJP government's policies and performance over the last ten years.

Sports Policy and Olympic Success

Hooda praised the Congress government's "Padak Lao, Pad Pao" (Bring Medals, Get Posts) sports policy, which he claims was responsible for Haryana's recent success in the Olympics. He stated that five out of six medals won by India were from athletes nurtured under this policy. Hooda accused the BJP of diluting this successful program and hurting the morale of sportspersons. 

The Congress MP also alleged discrimination in sports funding. He claimed Haryana received only 3% (Rs 65 crore) of the Khelo India budget, while Gujarat got Rs 600 crore and Uttar Pradesh over Rs 500 crore. Hooda emphasized that 21% of India's Olympic participants and 40-50% of medal winners in recent international games were from Haryana. 

Infrastructure and Development Concerns

Hooda pointed out various infrastructure issues in the areas he visited. He mentioned poor road conditions in Pataudi, describing them as having "potholes in road or road in potholes." He also highlighted problems with drinking water, sewerage, and sanitation. The MP criticized the BJP for failing to complete promised projects like the Pataudi bypass. 

State Debt and Financial Management

During his visit to Kharkhoda, Hooda questioned the BJP government's financial management. He asked how the state's debt had increased to Rs 4.5 lakh crore in 10 years, despite what he claimed was a lack of developmental work. Hooda suggested that the government should account for how public money has been spent.

As the state approaches elections, Hooda predicted that the BJP government has only 29 days left in power. He interpreted the government's recent string of announcements as an admission of failure to accomplish much over the past decade. Through his campaign, Deepender Hooda is attempting to highlight what he sees as the BJP government's shortcomings and remind voters of the Congress party's past achievements in Haryana.