Congress Factionalism in Haryana Intensifies Kumari Selja Meets Sonia Gandhi Amid Internal Disputes

Internal Dispute Escalates in a notable development within the Haryana Congress, Kumari Selja, General Secretary and Sirsa MP, met former Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday. This meeting followed a recent party gathering where tensions between Selja and State President Chaudhary Udaybhan flared up over alleged snubs in invitations to each other’s programs. Selja, addressing the media after the meeting, emphasized the need for unity as elections approach, stressing that everyone must work together.

Congress High Command’s Strategic Moves

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, former President Rahul Gandhi, and Organization General Secretary KC Venugopal have been actively strategizing against the BJP government. Recent discussions led to a consensus to organize a Haryana Maange Hisaab rally on September 22, a plan backed by former Chief Minister Bhupendra Singh Hooda and Udaybhan. However, Rahul Gandhi prefers an earlier date around September 15. The high command has directed Haryana Congress leaders to unite and focus on electoral success.

Unity and Future Expectations

Following the high command’s directives, there is anticipation that major Congress figures, including Hooda, Selja, Randeep Surjewala, Captain Ajay Yadav, Udaybhan, MP Deepender Singh Hooda, and various MLAs, will present a united front at the Jind rally. Additionally, the upcoming Rath Yatra led by Hooda and Udaybhan, set to commence on August 27, is expected to showcase the party’s cohesion.

Selja’s Response to Internal Conflicts

Post her meeting with Sonia Gandhi, Selja addressed media queries regarding internal conflicts and the recent debate with Udaybhan. She dismissed claims of discord as media exaggerations, emphasizing the need for Congress leaders to focus on public service and party interests. Selja also commented on candidate selection, stating that the screening committee would make those decisions.

BJP’s Critique of Congress Infighting

The BJP has seized upon the Congress’s internal strife, with Haryana BJP President Mohan Lal Badoli mocking the situation. He criticized the Congress’s leadership for failing to resolve disputes, suggesting that their meetings have devolved into arenas of conflict rather than effective strategy sessions.

Factional Dynamics in Congress

The Haryana Congress is visibly divided into three main factions: one led by Bhupendra Singh Hooda, another by Kumari Selja, and a third by Randeep Surjewala. The distinct padyatras and rallies conducted by these factions highlight ongoing factionalism, with minimal cross-participation, underscoring the fragmentation within the party as elections approach.