Congress Confident of Forming Government in Haryana; CM Selection to Follow Party Procedures

Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the former chief minister of Haryana, expressed confidence that the Congress would form the next government in the state with a clear majority. He emphasised that the party's high command would choose the chief minister based on legislators' opinions. Voting for the Haryana Assembly elections concluded on Saturday, with results expected on Tuesday. Exit polls have largely predicted a Congress victory after two BJP terms.

Hooda, speaking from his Rohtak residence, stated, "We are forming the government with a comfortable majority." He reiterated his belief that the people of Haryana have decided to bring Congress back to power. "There was a wave in favour of our party," he noted. When asked about the potential chief minister, Hooda said that the party would follow its procedure, seeking MLAs' opinions before the high command makes a decision.

Congress Leadership and Aspirations

Regarding other potential candidates like Kumari Selja and Randeep Singh Surjewala for the chief minister's post, Hooda acknowledged that aspirations are natural in politics but stressed adherence to party procedures. When questioned about BJP leaders' claims of retaining power, Hooda remarked, "What else will BJP say? They will come to know once results are out."

During the campaign, Hooda criticised the BJP for focusing solely on Congress rather than showcasing their achievements over the past decade. He argued that when people demanded accountability from the BJP, they changed their chief minister instead of addressing issues. Referring to exit polls, he suggested that people had already decided to change the government.

Criticism of BJP Governance

The Congress leader labelled the current BJP government as non-performing, citing rampant corruption and unemployment under their rule. He claimed every section of society, including farmers, employees, and youth, were dissatisfied with them. Hooda highlighted that this election was about comparing Congress's past achievements with BJP's failures.

Hooda accused the BJP government of neglecting key groups such as farmers and soldiers. He mentioned farmers' demands for a legal guarantee on MSP were ignored while input costs doubled instead of incomes. He also criticised how wrestlers were treated and opposed the Agniveer scheme from its inception.

Promises and Future Plans

Hooda recalled Haryana's past status as a leader in per capita income and investment but lamented its current top ranking in unemployment and deteriorating law-and-order situation. He pledged that once results are declared on October 8, Congress would fulfil its promises just as it did in 2005 and 2009.

The two-time former chief minister is seeking re-election from Garhi Sampla-Kiloi in Rohtak district. Before casting his vote, he expressed optimism about Congress forming the government due to widespread public enthusiasm. Hooda concluded by stating that people have decided to oust what he termed as a failed BJP government.