New Delhi: Nearly a year after the 2024 Haryana assembly elections, Congress has appointed former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda as the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Haryana assembly. At the same time, the party has chosen Rao Narender Singh, a Yadav from the OBC community, as the state unit chief of Congress. The move is seen as part of a new strategy to balance the representation of Jat and OBC communities in Haryana politics.
The appointments were officially announced by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday. A senior party functionary explained that this is the first time in recent years that Congress has tried a Jat-OBC combination in Haryana. Earlier, the party had focused on a Jat-SC balance, but this new formula is expected to bring political benefits in the state.
The decision to appoint Hooda as LoP comes after nearly a year of delay. Following the 2024 assembly elections, Congress had not immediately extended legislative perks and privileges to him, reportedly due to disagreements within the party. Both Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, had not cleared Hooda’s appointment for some time, reflecting the party’s unease after its electoral defeat.
The Congress leadership has now moved forward with these key appointments to strengthen the party in Haryana. Hooda, who served as the chief minister of Haryana from 2004 to 2014, has significant political experience and influence in the state. His return as LoP gives Congress a strong and visible presence in the assembly.
Rao Narender Singh’s appointment as state unit chief is also notable. Being from the OBC community, he brings diversity to the party leadership and is expected to strengthen Congress’s appeal among OBC voters. This dual appointment is part of a calculated political strategy, combining the influence of Jats with the support of OBC communities, to rebuild the party’s base in the state.
According to party insiders, BK Hariprasad, the Haryana Congress in-charge, proposed this new combination, which was supported by both Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. The move is aimed at addressing internal party dynamics while improving Congress’s prospects ahead of future elections.
Hooda’s appointment as LoP is expected to help Congress maintain a stronger opposition voice in the Haryana assembly. During his tenure as chief minister, Hooda was known for implementing various development projects and welfare schemes, which gave him a strong support base, particularly among the Jat community. By combining his influence with the outreach potential of Rao Narender Singh, Congress hopes to create a balanced leadership team capable of addressing the needs of multiple communities in Haryana.
Despite these appointments, Congress faces several challenges in Haryana. The BJP has been in power since 2014 and continues to have strong support across the state. Congress will need to leverage the leadership skills of Hooda and Rao Narender Singh to rebuild voter trust and regain its foothold in the assembly.
The party’s strategy reflects a broader effort to adapt to changing political dynamics in Haryana. By highlighting representation from both Jat and OBC communities, Congress aims to appeal to a wider range of voters. Experts suggest that if the strategy is executed well, it could help the party strengthen its position in rural areas and among key voter groups.
Hooda’s experience in governance and Rao Narender Singh’s community influence together form a leadership structure that could address internal party cohesion and voter outreach. Congress hopes that this combination will not only energize the party cadre but also send a message to voters that the party is serious about rebuilding its presence in the state.
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The appointments come at a crucial time for Congress, as it prepares for local elections and seeks to strengthen its organization in Haryana. The party leadership believes that by giving key positions to experienced leaders from influential communities, Congress can improve its chances in the coming electoral battles.
In conclusion, the appointment of Bhupinder Singh Hooda as LoP and Rao Narender Singh as state unit chief marks a new chapter for Congress in Haryana. By balancing Jat and OBC representation, the party aims to strengthen its political base and offer a united leadership front. While challenges remain, these strategic decisions provide Congress with an opportunity to rebuild in Haryana and increase its influence among voters.
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