The Congress party may not publicly endorse a Chief Ministerial candidate ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections scheduled for later this year, according to the party's state unit head.
Deepak Babaria, who is overseeing the Congress campaign in Haryana, told reporters that it has been the party's long-standing tradition not to declare such appointments before polls. When questioned about the BJP projecting current CM Manohar Lal Khattar as their leader for the upcoming elections, Babaria pointed out that key political decisions regarding the CM role were usually left to the elected legislative party members and Congress president after the results.
The party leader was also asked about allegations of infighting within the state unit. He rejected claims of disunity, stating that pre-election tensions were being exaggerated in media reports. Babaria added that differences of opinion among leaders were natural in a vibrant democracy and should not be seen as fractures.
However, the Congress is facing criticism over its failure to select viable candidates for the recent Lok Sabha polls. Senior leader Kumari Selja has attributed the poor performance to inadequate feedback received by the high command regarding local candidates. Babaria acknowledged Selja's right to express views but maintained that all decisions will be reviewed in due consultation with top leaders.
As the opposition gears up to take on the BJP's re-election bid, the Congress is focusing on formulating a people-oriented agenda to address citizens' issues. Babaria stated grassroots feedback is being obtained to finalise the party's manifesto. With the Haryana Congress facing the challenge of reviving its electoral fortunes, the coming months will be crucial in deciding whether change of guard is on the cards in the state later this year.
