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New Delhi: The Indian National Congress on Friday released its first list of 31 candidates for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, slated for October 5. The list features prominent figures such as former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who will contest from Garhi Sampla-Kiloi, and Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee chief Udai Bhan from Hodal. Notably, Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been fielded from the Julana constituency.
The Central Election Committee (CEC) of the Congress finalized the candidate list during a meeting in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by key party leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Sonia Gandhi, General Secretary (Organisation) K. C. Venugopal, AICC in-charge of Haryana Deepak Babaria, and Bhupinder Singh Hooda.
Key Candidates and Constituencies
- Bhupinder Singh Hooda: The two-time former Chief Minister aims to reclaim his seat in Garhi Sampla-Kiloi, a constituency he has represented multiple times.
- Udai Bhan: The Haryana Congress chief will contest from Hodal, reinforcing the party’s focus on experienced leadership.
- Vinesh Phogat: Making her political debut, the celebrated wrestler will stand from Julana, bringing a fresh face to the party’s lineup.
- Mewa Singh: Fielded from Ladwa, he will challenge the incumbent Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
- Other notable candidates include Surender Panwar (Sonipat), Bharat Bhushan Batra (Rohtak), Kuldeep Vats (Badli), Chiranjeev Rao (Rewari), and Neeraj Sharma (Faridabad NIT).
Alliance Talks with AAP
The Congress is engaged in ongoing seat-sharing negotiations with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). However, the prospects of a coalition appear slim as both parties have hardened their stances. Sources indicate that the Hooda faction and other senior leaders within the Congress are skeptical about an alliance, questioning AAP’s influence in Haryana.
Wrestlers Turn Politicians
Olympians Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who led the protest against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh last year, have joined the Congress. Punia has been appointed as the working chairman of the All India Kisan Congress, signaling the party’s intent to strengthen its appeal among farmers and youth. Given his new role, it is unlikely that Punia will contest in the elections.
Statements from Party Leaders
When asked about the possibility of Members of Parliament contesting in the Assembly elections, AICC in-charge Deepak Babaria stated, “To date, no MP has been permitted to contest Assembly elections.” Confirming Vinesh Phogat’s candidature, he added, “It has been decided that she will contest from Julana.”
Election Schedule
The 90-member Haryana Assembly will go to polls on October 5, with the counting of votes scheduled for October 8. The election is poised to be a critical contest between the incumbent BJP and the Congress, which is striving to regain its foothold in the state.
Implications for the Congress
The release of the candidate list underscores the Congress’s strategy to blend experience with new talent. By fielding established politicians alongside fresh faces like Vinesh Phogat, the party aims to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters. The inclusion of prominent sports personalities also reflects an effort to connect with the youth and leverage the popularity of national icons.
Conclusion
As the election date approaches, all eyes are on Haryana to see how the political dynamics unfold. The Congress’s candidate selection and potential alliances will play a significant role in shaping the electoral outcome. Voters await further announcements, including the party’s manifesto and campaign strategies.
