Congress Accuses BJP of Prioritizing Internal Politics Over Public Welfare
The Congress party in Haryana has launched a sharp attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of letting internal factionalism and 'protocol politics' derail development in the south Haryana region. The charge comes after local BJP MP and Union Minister of State Rao Inderjit Singh, along with three MLAs, conspicuously skipped a high-profile Khet Bachao Abhiyan programme at Bawal, which was attended by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
The absence of these leaders, who represent key constituencies in the area, has sparked a political row, with Congress leaders alleging that the BJP's infighting is now an open secret. The incident has also raised questions about whether the party's leaders are more concerned with their own political standing than with addressing the pressing needs of the people.
BJP Leaders Skip Key Event, Congress Seizes Opportunity
The event in question was the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, a farmer-focused initiative held at Bawal in Rewari district. While Chief Minister Saini and Union Minister Chouhan were present to highlight the government's agricultural policies, the absence of Rao Inderjit Singh and MLAs Laxman Singh Yadav, Dr. Krishan Kumar, and Anil Yadav did not go unnoticed. According to reports, notices were even served to BJP mandal presidents for failing to attend the event, indicating that the party leadership was aware of the snub.
Congress leaders were quick to pounce on the situation. Former Rewari MLA and AICC national secretary Chiranjeev Rao held a press conference on Tuesday, accusing the BJP of letting ego clashes and internal rivalries hamper the region's development. "The people of Rewari and south Haryana are paying a heavy price for the BJP's factionalism," he said.
Congress Leader Highlights Missed Opportunities for South Haryana
Chiranjeev Rao pointed out that the presence of both the Union Agriculture Minister and the Chief Minister at the Bawal event was a significant opportunity to raise issues specific to south Haryana, such as water scarcity, land acquisition, and industrial growth. However, due to the internal differences among BJP leaders, Rao Inderjit Singh did not attend, and three MLAs were also absent. "The matter was later brushed aside, but the damage was done," Rao added.
The Congress leader also highlighted another instance of discord: Laxman Singh Yadav, the local MLA, did not attend the oath-taking ceremony of the chairperson and members of the Dharuhera Municipal Committee. Yadav claimed he had not received an official invitation, a justification that Congress leaders dismissed as a lame excuse. "What exactly is happening within the BJP? Are its MPs and MLAs unwilling to share the same platform? If they cannot stand together even at official programmes, who will advocate for the development needs of the people?" Rao asked.
Development Projects Stalled Amid Political Rivalries
The Congress leader alleged that due to the infighting among BJP leaders, development projects in the region were getting delayed, and government programmes were turning into arenas of power struggles. "The residents of south Haryana feel betrayed. If the BJP leaders cannot rise above internal politics, they owe the people an apology," he said, questioning whether protocol was more important than public interest.
Former minister Capt Ajay Singh Yadav had earlier attacked Rao Inderjit and the MLAs for wasting a golden opportunity to raise south Haryana's concerns before the Chief Minister. Meanwhile, during a press conference on Monday, Rao Inderjit Singh claimed that he and the Bawal MLA had not received any invitation to the event, a statement that has been met with skepticism by political observers.
BJP's Own Medicine: From Taunting Congress to Facing Internal Strife
The BJP, which has long taunted the Congress over its internal divisions, now finds itself grappling with similar issues. South Haryana has emerged as the new stage for what Congress leaders call an 'in-house tamasha,' with ruling party leaders playing truant at events attended by top leaders. This has given the Congress ample ammunition to turn the tables on the BJP.
Political analysts note that the factionalism in the BJP's south Haryana unit is not new, but the recent public display of discord has brought it into sharp focus. The party, which swept the state in the last assembly elections, now faces the challenge of keeping its flock together ahead of the upcoming local body polls.
Congress Demands Clarity from BJP Leadership
The Congress has demanded that the BJP leadership clarify its stand on the infighting and take corrective measures. "The BJP leaders must decide whether they want to fight for the people or for their own political supremacy. The people of Haryana are watching, and they will not forgive those who prioritize personal egos over public welfare," Chiranjeev Rao warned.
As the political temperature rises in south Haryana, all eyes are now on the BJP high command, which will have to address the growing dissent within its ranks. The incident has also given the Congress a fresh issue to rally against the ruling party, as it seeks to regain lost ground in the state.
