Internal Rift in Haryana Congress: Kumari Selja Sidelines Herself Amid Election Campaign, Hooda Faction Gains Prominence

Internal Rift in Haryana Congress: Kumari Selja Sidelines Herself Amid Election Campaign, Hooda Faction Gains Prominence

As the Haryana Assembly Elections approach, Kumari Selja, a prominent Dalit leader in Congress, has become a subject of considerable discussion. Once an influential figure within the party, Selja has found herself sidelined during the crucial electoral period, with Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s faction taking complete control of the campaign. Reports indicate that Kumari Selja has distanced herself from the election scene, spending the last week in Delhi away from the party’s election activities. This shift has created a power vacuum within the Congress, allowing the Hooda faction to dominate the election narrative.

The internal rift between Kumari Selja and Bhupinder Singh Hooda had been simmering for a while, but it has become more visible as the elections draw near. Selja had expressed interest in contesting the elections herself and was considered a contender for the Chief Minister’s post. However, the Congress high command did not offer her a ticket, further deepening the divide. The clearest sign of Selja’s marginalization is her absence from Congress campaign posters in several constituencies, particularly in six out of seven assembly segments in Hisar district, including Hansi, Narnaund, Barwala, Uklana, Adampur, and Nalwa. These posters prominently feature Bhupinder Singh Hooda and his son, Deepender Hooda, while Selja’s image is missing. Only the Congress candidate from Hisar, Ramniwas Rada, has included her on his campaign materials.

Selja’s exclusion from the election posters has raised questions about her standing within the party. According to insiders, Selja’s withdrawal from the election campaign stems from several issues. Firstly, she was upset that her close aide, Ajay Chaudhary, was denied a ticket from Narnaund. Secondly, during the nomination event for Congress candidate Jassi Petwar in Narnaund, Selja faced caste-based comments from a supporter, which went unchallenged by Bhupinder Hooda, further straining their relationship. Lastly, the Hooda faction has reportedly offered covert support to rival candidates in constituencies such as Ballabhgarh, Tigaon, Panipat Rural, and Buwanikhera, undermining the official Congress candidates backed by Delhi. This internal division has cast a shadow over the party’s ability to present a united front ahead of the elections.

Kumari Selja’s influence extends over 21 assembly seats in Haryana, particularly in Dalit-dominated regions such as Sirsa and Fatehabad. With Dalits accounting for approximately 21% of the electorate, Selja’s absence has created significant concerns for the Congress leadership. The Congress party, aware of her reach and influence over the Dalit vote bank, will likely have to take immediate action to resolve the internal conflicts before the elections. Her silence and inactivity, particularly at this crucial juncture, have increased tensions within the Hooda camp, which is now burdened with the responsibility of securing Dalit votes without Selja’s active participation. With the elections just around the corner, the Congress party is under immense pressure to reconcile with Selja and address the growing rift within its ranks.

 The Impact of Kumari Selja’s Absence and the Growing Power Struggle

Kumari Selja’s decision to distance herself from the Congress election campaign highlights the deepening factionalism within the party, particularly between her and the Hooda camp. Her absence is particularly critical, given her influence over the Dalit vote bank, which constitutes approximately 21% of the Haryana electorate. Congress, which is already facing a challenging political environment in the state, risks alienating a significant section of voters if the issue remains unresolved. The Dalit community, traditionally a strong support base for the Congress, might shift allegiances if Selja’s concerns are not addressed. This situation could drastically affect the party’s performance in Dalit-dominated constituencies, making it essential for the Congress leadership to step in and mediate the differences.

From a strategic perspective, sidelining a leader of Kumari Selja’s stature—especially when she has significant support in the community—raises questions about the Congress party’s internal dynamics. Her influence over 21 assembly seats, many of which are reserved or have a significant Dalit presence, cannot be overlooked. The decision not to include her in campaign materials and the reluctance to grant her a ticket seem to reflect a broader attempt by the Hooda faction to consolidate power within the party. This internal struggle could have far-reaching consequences for the party’s overall performance, as internal unity is often key to electoral success.

Moreover, the Congress leadership’s handling of this situation reflects a broader issue of top-down decision-making within the party. The failure to manage internal conflicts effectively, especially those involving senior leaders, suggests a lack of cohesion at the state level. Kumari Selja’s exclusion from campaign activities not only threatens the party’s electoral prospects but also signals deeper divisions that could impact the party’s future in Haryana. To regain momentum, the Congress leadership will need to address these internal divisions, ensure greater inclusivity, and resolve factional disputes to prevent further damage ahead of the elections.

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