Ahead of the crucial Haryana Assembly elections, Congress demonstrated a show of unity with Kumari Selja and Bhupinder Singh Hooda, two prominent leaders of the state, sharing the stage with Rahul Gandhi during a rally in Karnal. This move came after weeks of speculation regarding a possible rift between Selja, a key Dalit leader, and the party. Her absence from recent campaigns had sparked rumors about her joining the BJP, especially after Union Home Minister Amit Shah and former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar publicly commented on the Congress’s treatment of Dalit leaders. However, Selja put these speculations to rest by attending the rally and addressing voters, signifying that internal tensions have been resolved, at least publicly.
Rahul Gandhi, in his speeches, focused heavily on issues facing the youth of Haryana, particularly the growing trend of illegal migration as young people seek opportunities abroad. Gandhi connected this exodus to the state's high unemployment rates, which he blamed on the BJP-led government. He narrated stories from his recent visit to Dallas, where he met Haryanvi youths who had taken perilous journeys to the U.S. because of the lack of prospects back home. Gandhi cited these examples to argue that the BJP government has failed to create an environment where young entrepreneurs can thrive, forcing them to seek opportunities abroad despite the financial and personal costs.
The rally also marked a significant shift in Congress's campaign strategy. Previously, there were tensions between Selja, who is an aspirant for the chief minister position, and Hooda, a former Chief Minister who has substantial influence over candidate selections. Hooda’s dominance in the selection process had sidelined other leaders, including Selja. However, with both leaders now sharing a platform, Congress appears to be projecting a united front to tackle the challenges posed by the BJP in Haryana. The appearance of these two leaders together was seen as an effort to send a strong message of cohesion within the party.
Gandhi continued to criticize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies, accusing him of favoring large corporations like Adani and Ambani. He emphasized that the farm laws, the flawed implementation of GST, and demonetization were all measures designed to benefit a few elite businessmen. Gandhi added that the BJP’s loss in Faizabad, despite its religious significance, was due to its neglect of farmers and workers in favor of big businesses.
With Selja slated to address multiple rallies in the days following the event, Congress is keen to leverage her appeal among Dalit voters while also capitalizing on Hooda's influence in other key constituencies. The rally, and the apparent patch-up between Selja and Hooda, is expected to strengthen Congress's electoral prospects in the upcoming state polls, as the party tries to reclaim its position in a state where BJP has been in power since 2014
