New Delhi: The Congress Party is grappling with the fallout of its disappointing performance in the Haryana Assembly elections, marking its third consecutive defeat in the state. Following widespread expectations that the party could make a comeback after a decade, the reality of the results has prompted intense discussions among its leaders.
On Thursday, a crucial meeting was held at the residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi. Key figures, including Rahul Gandhi, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and KC Venugopal, gathered to dissect the reasons behind the electoral setback. Following the meeting, Congress leader Ajay Maken addressed the media, highlighting that various factors contributing to the defeat were discussed.
Maken stated, “We have deliberated on the reasons for our loss. There are several factors, ranging from the Election Commission’s role to differences among leaders. All these issues were reviewed, and discussions will continue.” He further expressed astonishment at the scale of the electoral upset, questioning how all exit polls and major surveys could be so fundamentally incorrect.
Notably, the meeting did not include prominent figures such as Sirsa MP Kumari Selja and Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Surjewala, as well as Captain Ajay Yadav, who is related to Lalu Yadav. Reports of factionalism within the Congress party had circulated during the election campaign, particularly highlighting tensions between the Selja and Hooda factions. In the aftermath of the election, several party leaders are pointing fingers at Hooda for the poor results.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress observer for the Haryana elections, Ashok Gehlot, reacted to the party’s defeat, stating that the loss is being taken very seriously. “Everyone was confident of a Congress victory, so it is perplexing to see such a contrary result. Our workers are anxious about this,” Gehlot remarked after participating in the Delhi meeting.
Speaking to ANI, Gehlot added, “This defeat is being viewed with utmost seriousness. The media, exit polls, and public sentiment all indicated that Congress would form the government. We need to understand why the results were reversed. Kharge ji and Rahul ji have taken this matter seriously, and discussions were held with senior observers and secretaries.”
Gehlot emphasised the need for thorough investigation, stating, “It is crucial to understand what went wrong for a national party that was expected to win. Our workers and the public have doubts. Whether it was the EVMs or other circumstances, we have met with the Election Commission to address our concerns, and we have submitted a written memorandum.”
The meeting included both Ashok Gehlot and Ajay Maken, who were designated as observers for Haryana. However, prominent leaders such as Bhupinder Singh Hooda and state president Uday Bhan were notably absent, with Uday Bhan having also lost in the legislative elections.
As Congress reflects on its losses and the internal dynamics that may have contributed, the party is poised to reassess its strategies moving forward, amid a backdrop of significant factional challenges and public scrutiny.
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