Congress's ‘Bharti Roko Gang' Sparks Outrage In Haryana Ahead Of Assembly Elections 2024

In the lead-up to the Haryana Assembly Elections 2024, the political climate is heating up as the BJP and Congress face off in a battle for control of the state.

The BJP, currently in power, is seeking to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress has mounted a vigorous challenge, with allegations and counter-allegations dominating the discourse.

Photo Credit: X

Congress's 'Bharti Roko Gang' Sparks Outrage In Haryana

One of the key issues at the centre of this political tussle is government recruitment in Haryana. The BJP, led by Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini, has taken pride in its record of providing government jobs to the youth of the state. Over the past decade, the BJP claims to have given government jobs to 1.5 lakh people, emphasizing a system free from corruption, favouritism, and the need for "slips" or bribes.

However, the Congress has been accused of forming what the BJP has dubbed the "Bharti Roko Gang," a term used to describe the party's efforts to halt government recruitment processes. The BJP alleges that the Congress has gone as far as to influence the Election Commission to pause ongoing recruitment processes, a move that has delayed the release of results for thousands of job applicants.

The controversy reached a new level when Congress leader Jairam Ramesh lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, expressing concerns about violations of the Model Code of Conduct in the recruitment process. The Election Commission responded by allowing the recruitment processes to continue but stipulated that the results should not be announced until after the elections.

The BJP has criticized this move, arguing that it is an attempt by Congress to obstruct the party's efforts to provide jobs to the youth. They point to the fact that results for approximately 24,000 government recruitments have been delayed due to this intervention.

This delay has sparked protests among unemployed youth in Haryana, who blame Congress for the uncertainty surrounding their job prospects. In one incident, a large group of unemployed individuals gathered in Chandigarh to protest outside the residence of former Chief Minister Bhupendra Singh Hooda, leading to clashes with the police.

As the election approaches, the issue of government recruitment and the alleged actions of the " Bharti Roko Gang" are likely to remain central to the political narrative in Haryana. Both parties continue to campaign vigorously, each presenting their vision for the state's future and seeking to win over the voters.