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In Haryana, the Congress party faces an internal struggle ahead of the upcoming elections, with no clear resolution to the ongoing power tussle between senior leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Kumari Selja. However, a new contender has entered the race – Randeep Surjewala, a prominent Rajya Sabha MP. Surjewala has openly declared his desire to become the next Chief Minister, positioning himself alongside Hooda and Selja as a strong candidate.
Surjewala’s announcement came in response to a statement made by his son, Aditya Surjewala, who is running as a Congress candidate from Kaithal. On Monday, Aditya stirred political speculation by saying, “Everyone hopes to become the Chief Minister. My father also hopes for the same, which is good. But the final decision will be made by the party high command. All MLAs know that the high command will choose someone who is hardworking and connected to the people.”
This statement ignited a flurry of discussions within political circles. By Tuesday, Randeep Surjewala himself confirmed his ambitions, stating, “All three of us want to be the Chief Minister, but it is up to the high command to decide.” By “three,” he was referring to himself, Bhupinder Hooda, and Kumari Selja. He emphasized that while they can express their desires, the final decision will rest with party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.
While speaking to journalists in Kaithal, where he was campaigning for his son, Surjewala acknowledged that the people of Kaithal want development, which is why they are showing faith in Congress.
When asked about the race for the Chief Minister position, Surjewala said, “It is every individual’s aspiration to become Chief Minister. Selja would also want to, as she is like an elder sister to me. Bhupinder Singh Hooda also wants it, as would any other capable colleague in the party. This is a democracy, after all. In the end, the decision will be made by Rahul Gandhi and Kharge, and we will all accept it.”
Surjewala also addressed recent comments made by former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who had extended congratulations to Kumari Selja on X (formerly Twitter). Surjewala downplayed the significance of Khattar’s remarks, saying, “There is no weight in such statements. I respect him because of his age, he is like a father figure, but he is making childish comments. Kumari Selja is, was, and will remain in the Congress.”
Taking a jab at Khattar’s political standing, Surjewala added, “Khattar was not even taken to the Prime Minister’s rally in Kurukshetra, likely because his presence might lose votes. He should focus on his own situation, lest he be removed from his ministerial post like he was from the Chief Minister’s chair. Our Congress family is strong and stable.”
As the battle for the Chief Minister’s seat intensifies within the Congress party, it remains to be seen who the high command will choose to lead Haryana. Will it be Hooda, Selja, or the new contender Surjewala? The suspense lingers as all eyes turn to the party’s top leadership for the final decision.
