TNFAnil Kakkar/ TNF
In the run-up to the Haryana elections, MP Kumari Selja has announced her intention to claim the Chief Minister’s position if Congress wins. In an interview, Selja stated her ambition to work for the state and run for the Assembly, though she acknowledged that the final decision rests with the party high command.
Selja, a prominent Dalit face of Congress in Haryana, has raised concerns within the Bhupinder Hooda camp. Hooda, who was confident about securing the CM position after Selja’s Lok Sabha win, now faces increased tension with Selja’s claim.
Congress high command is reportedly displeased with the factional disputes between Hooda and Selja over ticket distribution. The leadership has taken control of the ticket allocation process, stating that if the two factions do not reach an agreement, they will make decisions independently.
Selja has emphasized that Congress does not declare a CM candidate before elections, but argues that if leaders from other communities can become CM, so should candidates from Scheduled Castes. She has directly put forward her claim for a Dalit CM role in Haryana.
Sources indicate that both Hooda and Selja have agreed to avoid interfering in each other’s ticket allocations. Discussions suggest that Hooda will receive more seats, while Selja will get 20-25 seats, including those where BJP is strong.
A unified Congress presence is expected soon, with both leaders planning to appear together at major state-level events to counter factionalism. Congress aims to focus on key districts such as Panipat, Ambala, and Gurgaon.
The Congress screening committee will begin meetings on August 26, with the first list of candidates likely to be announced in the first week of September. Further lists will follow, with the final list covering contested seats.
