Congress infighting was laid bare during the first meeting of the party's new Haryana incharge, Sanjay Dutt, with state leaders in Chandigarh. The open-house discussion, held on July 8, 2026, was attended by key figures including state party president Rao Narender Singh, former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, former Union Minister Birender Singh, Sirsa MP Kumari Selja, Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda, and general secretary Randeep Surjewala.
Selja questions failure to return to power
Kumari Selja highlighted the party's inability to regain power as a major concern, stating, "Every time a new incharge arrives, we say we will work together, but this needs to be translated into action." She attributed the problem to divisions among party workers on the ground.
Birender Singh calls for ideological unity
Birender Singh emphasized that a Congress worker's identity should be defined by the party's ideology rather than association with any individual. His remarks were seen as a subtle critique of factionalism within the state unit.
Deepender Hooda targets BJP and Election Commission
Deepender Hooda alleged that the BJP-led state government was not formed by the will of the people but through the Election Commission and the use of black money. He pointed to Congress's high vote percentage in the state as evidence of popular support, but Surjewala countered, "But how many MLAs came?"
Surjewala calls for 'operation' against BJP
Randeep Surjewala declared that "homeopathic medicine will not work" against the BJP and that "an operation will have to be performed." He expressed concern over the party's vote share, alleging that efforts would be made to reduce Congress votes by 5,000 to 10,000 in every Assembly constituency. He also blamed caste polarization for the party's defeat.
Bhupinder Hooda defends factionalism
Bhupinder Singh Hooda held the Election Commission responsible for the party's defeat in the Assembly elections. On factionalism, he said differences of opinion are common even within a family, adding, "If you want to unite everyone, bring them out onto the streets."
Sanjay Dutt seeks pledges of unity and discipline
Sanjay Dutt stressed the need to strengthen the organization to change the government. "Our objective is to strengthen the organisation. We must reach out to every section of society, especially the marginalised. We must make the Congress the number one party in Haryana," he said. He sought three pledges from party workers: unity, discipline, and hard work. Dutt also held one-to-one talks with MPs and MLAs after the open house.
