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Hooda asks cross-voting MLAs to resign Hooda demands resignation of MLAs over cross-voting in Haryana Rajya Sabha elections
Monday, 23 Mar 2026 00:00 am
News Headlines, English News, Today Headlines, Top Stories | Arth Parkash

News Headlines, English News, Today Headlines, Top Stories | Arth Parkash

Senior Congress leader and former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has demanded the resignation of party MLAs who were allegedly involved in cross-voting during the recent Rajya Sabha elections in the state. His strong statement has intensified political tensions and sparked debate within the party as well as across Haryana’s political landscape.

Hooda said that the Congress leadership has already issued show-cause notices to five MLAs suspected of cross-voting. He added that these MLAs had gone against the party’s instructions and betrayed the trust of the voters. According to him, the only fair step now is for them to resign and seek a fresh mandate from the people.

Speaking to reporters in Bhiwani, Hooda said that the people of Haryana had voted for the Congress with certain expectations. If elected representatives go against the party line, it amounts to ignoring the public’s mandate. He further said that if the MLAs believe they have acted correctly, they should not hesitate to resign and contest elections again to prove their support among voters.

Cross-voting controversy grows

The issue of cross-voting has created a major political storm in Haryana. Cross-voting refers to a situation where elected representatives vote against their party’s official candidate during elections such as the Rajya Sabha polls. This often leads to unexpected results and raises questions about party unity and discipline.

Hooda claimed that the Congress party remained united despite the controversy. He said that the party’s MLAs stood firm and did not allow the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to succeed in its alleged attempts to influence the election outcome.

At the same time, Hooda raised concerns about the role of the returning officer during the election process. He alleged that the officer acted in a biased manner, particularly in relation to four votes cast by Congress MLAs that were declared invalid. According to Hooda, these decisions affected the fairness of the election and should be examined carefully.

The controversy has also triggered internal discussions within the Congress party. Leaders are trying to identify the reasons behind the cross-voting and ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future. Party discipline and unity are now key focus areas as the Congress looks to strengthen its position in Haryana politics.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Kuldeep Vats dismissed rumours about internal differences within the party. He said that there is no question of leaving the Congress and that reports suggesting a rift between him and other leaders are false. He clarified that his statements were aimed at ensuring action against those who betrayed the party.

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Political reactions and wider issues

The cross-voting issue has also drawn attention from other political parties and leaders. Many believe that such incidents highlight the need for stronger political accountability and transparency. Opposition parties have used the situation to criticise each other, further intensifying the political environment in the state.

Apart from the election controversy, Hooda also spoke on other issues during his interaction with the media. He criticised the BJP government in Haryana for what he described as a shortage of cooking gas in the state. He alleged that the government has failed to manage essential supplies properly, causing inconvenience to the public.

Earlier in the day, Hooda visited a private hospital in Bhiwani to enquire about the health of former MP Jagbir Singh. He also visited the residence of MLA Kuldeep Vats in Badli to attend a family function that he had missed earlier due to the Rajya Sabha elections.

These visits were seen as part of Hooda’s efforts to stay connected with both party leaders and the public. His active engagement in political and social matters continues to make him a key figure in Haryana politics.

The ongoing developments have once again highlighted the challenges faced by political parties in maintaining unity among their members. Cross-voting not only affects election results but also damages public trust in the political system.

Hooda’s demand for resignation reflects a strict approach towards party discipline. By asking the MLAs to step down and face the voters again, he has tried to send a strong message that actions against the party line will not be tolerated.

At the same time, the situation also raises questions about the functioning of the electoral process and the role of officials. Allegations of bias and invalid votes have added another layer of complexity to the issue.

In conclusion, the cross-voting controversy in Haryana has become a major political issue with significant implications. Hooda’s demand for resignation has increased pressure on the accused MLAs and brought the focus on accountability in public life.

As the Congress leadership takes further action and investigations continue, the coming days will be crucial in determining how the party handles the situation. The outcome may also influence the future political dynamics in Haryana, as both ruling and opposition parties prepare for upcoming challenges.