Listen To This Post

Congress High Command May Back Veteran for Revival

Chandigarh: In a decisive move aimed at stabilising its Haryana unit, the Congress high command is likely to clear the name of Bhupinder Singh Hooda as the likely Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Haryana Assembly. A two-time former chief minister and one of the state’s tallest political figures, Hooda is now expected to anchor the party’s legislative strategy and organisational revival in the wake of strengthening the party, parallel with the announcement of organisation at the district level.  In the October 2024 assembly election results, Congress won 37 seats in a neck-to-neck fight with the ruling BJP, which won 48 seats.  

Sources reveal that soon the announcement will reflect the party’s intent to rely on experience and grassroots credibility at a time when factional equations and emerging regional players have complicated the state’s political landscape. “The Congress needed a seasoned hand who understands both the Assembly floor and the pulse of the people. Hooda fits that bill,” a senior leader familiar with the development said.

Why Hooda? A choice of stability and arithmetic

Hooda’s stature as a mass leader, his ability to rally Jat and rural communities, and his established organisational networks weighed heavily in his favour. With decades of legislative experience, Hooda is viewed as capable of coordinating a disciplined opposition while also holding the government accountable on farmers’ issues, rural distress, unemployment and governance gaps. Congress insiders believe his appointment could provide the party with much-needed stability after years of factionalism and an identifiable face to challenge the ruling BJP in the Assembly.

Inside the decision-making

Party sources suggest the selection process involved weeks of consultations between the AICC and Haryana Congress leaders. Other aspirants were considered, but Hooda’s combination of seniority, electoral reach, and organisational command made his case compelling.

The high command is also believed to have worked behind the scenes to balance factional interests, reassuring younger leaders and alternative aspirants that they will play key roles in legislative committees and state-level party activities.

The immediate challenges ahead

Hooda now steps into a role that demands both assertiveness and consensus-building. His top priorities include:

• Legislative strategy: sharpening the opposition’s attack on governance failures and farmer grievances.
• Organisational revival: energising booth-level cadres, many of whom drifted in recent years.
• Message discipline: ensuring Congress projects a clear, unified alternative to voters.
• Alliance arithmetic: managing relations with other opposition parties in Haryana while protecting Congress turf.

“This is not just about occupying the LoP chair — it is about rebuilding confidence among workers and voters,” a Congress MLA said.

Political implications

For the Congress, Hooda’s appointment signals continuity but also raises expectations. Rank-and-file workers now look to him to deliver legislative punch and electoral momentum. For the BJP government, it means facing a formidable critic in the Assembly — someone who understands legislative nuance and can rally public opinion.

For regional outfits like INLD and JJP, Hooda’s elevation may complicate their strategies. His presence could either open doors for issue-based alignments or squeeze their space as Congress reclaims ground. While Hooda’s experience is unquestioned, factional pushback from sidelined leaders remains a risk. Younger leaders may also seek a larger share of voice, creating challenges of balance. High public expectations could turn into criticism if early results don’t materialise.

By putting its faith in Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the Congress has opted for a safe yet strategic choice — a seasoned leader who commands respect in the House and influence in the hinterland. The task ahead is daunting: translating legislative sharpness into organisational momentum and electoral revival. For now, Hooda has the party’s trust.

Whether Hooda can turn that trust into a winning strategy again after Congress lost three Lok Sabha and assembly elections consistently in the state will determine not only the future of the Haryana Congress but also the state’s political balance in the years ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha and assembly elections.