Congress Ticket Race Heats Up in Haryana: 2,556 Candidadtes for 90 Seats

The political landscape in Haryana is buzzing with activity as the Congress party receives an overwhelming 2,556 applications for just 90 Assembly seats in the upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections. This flood of aspirants signals a renewed interest in the party and sets the stage for an intense selection process.

The Nilokheri constituency, a reserved seat in Karnal district, has emerged as the hotspot of competition with a staggering 88 applicants. In stark contrast, the Garhi Sampla-Kiloi seat sees only one contender – former Chief Minister and Opposition Leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda, underlining his stronghold in the region. 

The applicant pool showcases a diverse mix of political experience and professional backgrounds. Alongside sitting and former MLAs, the list includes professors, retired bureaucrats, a former judge, lawyers, doctors, journalists, and teachers. This variety suggests a broad-based interest in joining the political fray under the Congress banner.

The application process, which concluded on August 10, required candidates to pay a fee – Rs 20,000 for general category and Rs 5,000 for SC/BC/women category. This step likely helped ensure serious contenders while also contributing to party funds. Several constituencies have seen significant interest. Julana received 86 applications, while Bawani Khera attracted 78 hopefuls. Other notable numbers include Uklana (SC) with 57 applicants, and both Kalanaur (SC) and Barwala with 55 each.

Adding to the political fervor is the ongoing 'Haryana Maange Hisaab' campaign, led by Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda. His padyatra (foot march) across the state is reportedly gaining traction, potentially shaping a new leadership narrative within the party. 

Political analysts suggest that this surge in applications, coupled with the energetic campaign, could help the Congress maintain the momentum it gained during the recent Lok Sabha elections. The padyatra is also providing a platform for local Congress leaders, including MPs, MLAs, and prospective candidates, to connect with supporters and boost their visibility.

As the party moves forward in its candidate selection process, the high number of applicants presents both a challenge and an opportunity. It allows the Congress to choose from a wide talent pool, potentially fielding strong candidates across the state. However, managing expectations and maintaining unity among those not selected will be crucial for the party's success in the upcoming elections. 

The coming weeks are likely to see intense deliberations within the Congress as it navigates this selection process, balancing factors such as winnability, local influence, and party loyalty. As Haryana's political temperature rises, all eyes will be on how the Congress leverages this surge of interest to mount a strong challenge in the Vidhan Sabha polls.