Congress fields Hooda loyalists; promises MSP, caste census, jobs

In Haryana, the Congress is contesting 89 seats — except Bhiwani which it has left for the CPI(M) — and the majority of these have gone to Hooda loyalists or those considered close to him. Besides, the party has re-fielded all 28 sitting MLAs, most of whom owe allegiance to Hooda. While the Congress has made it clear that its MLAs and the high command will pick the chief minister if the party wins the elections, Jat stalwart Hooda is virtually the face of the Congress for the upcoming Assembly polls. In addition, Congress party has also announced seven key guarantees, including a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) for farmers and a commitment to conduct a caste survey, if elected. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge asserted the party’s commitment to these promises, branding the initiative “Saat Vaade, PakkeIrade.” Other guarantees include measures for women’s empowerment, enhanced social security, support for youth, and housing for the poor. Under women’s empowerment, Congress pledged to provide gas cylinders at Rs 500 each and a monthly payment of Rs 2,000 to women aged 18 to 60.