‘Who’s Responsible?’ After Haryana Upset, Kumari Selja’s ‘Start Afresh’ Call Amid Buzz Over Tiff With Hoodas

The election results in Haryana came as a shock to the Congress, which had been optimistic about victory based on initial trends. However, in a dramatic turn of events, the BJP won the state polls, successfully retaining power for a third consecutive term.

Congress Sirsa MP and former union minister Kumari Selja, who largely stayed away from the party’s campaign, expressed disappointment over the party’s performance and said that they will analyse the results and identify those responsible for the defeat.

Additionally, in a veiled dig at former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda and his son Deepinder Hooda, Selja also questioned the accountability for the poll loss without naming them directly and flagged the issue of coordination among leaders in the state.

“The results are disappointing. Until morning, we were hopeful. All our workers are upset, they have worked for the last 10 years for the Congress party and when such a result comes, there is a huge disappointment,” Selja told the media on Tuesday as the trends showed the Congress trailing behind expectations.

“We will have to make a fresh start and think about the shortcomings. We will have to see who all are responsible for such a result,” she added.

The senior Congress leader further noted that it will not be “business as usual,” and stated that the Congress High Command would identify those who negated efforts to bring the party back to power after 10 years

“I’m sure the party will look into all aspects that led to such results in Haryana,” she noted.

‘Everyone’s job,’ Bhupinder Hooda responds 

In response to Selja’s remark, senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda stated, “Whose job is it to have coordination? It is everyone’s job.”

Hooda also expressed his surprise at the results, noting that even the BJP appears surprised as well. “Results are opposite from the situation that was there in the state,” he said.

The Haryna former CM further noted, “We have received many complaints (from candidates). We will meet ECI regarding.”

Speculation about a rift between the two Congress stalwarts–Selja and Hooda–has been brewing for some time, with Selja reportedly upset after the party granted Bhupinder Hooda a free hand in ticket distribution. Most of the selected candidates were loyalists of the two-time former CM.

ALSO READ: Why Haryana Slipped Out Of Congress’s Hand: Decoding The Hooda, Kumari Selja & Dalit Factors

The ruling BJP swept the 90-seat Haryana assembly elections, halting a ‘predicted’ Congress comeback in the state after a decade.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the BJP has won 48 seats, surpassing the majority mark of 46 seats. Meanwhile, the Congress managed to win only 36 seats and is currently leading in one.

(With inputs from agencies)