Haryana Congress Factionalism Erupts Over 'Photo Protocol' Violations in Hisar
Factional undercurrents within the Haryana Congress have resurfaced prominently, this time centered around alleged violations of the party's newly implemented "photo protocol" ahead of an event scheduled in Narnaund, part of the Hansi district. The controversy has ignited fresh political chatter, highlighting ongoing internal divisions despite repeated calls for unity from senior leadership.
Controversy Over Narnaund Event Poster
Congress MLA Jassi Petwar is set to inaugurate his office on February 22, but the publicity material for the programme has sparked significant debate. The poster for the event featured the names of Rohtak MP Deepender Singh Hooda and Hisar MP Jaiprakash "JP," but notably excluded Haryana Congress president Rao Narendra Singh, who stated he was neither invited nor formally informed about the event.
The issue deepened with the absence of photographs of two senior leaders—Sirsa MP Kumari Selja and Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala—both of whom serve as national general secretaries of the Congress. Their omission has raised critical questions within party circles about whether this was a mere oversight or a deliberate reflection of the persistent factionalism plaguing the state unit.
Background of Repeated Protocol Lapses
This incident follows a similar episode in Fatehabad, where posters reportedly did not feature photographs of former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Rohtak MP Deepender Singh Hooda. Party insiders indicate that these repeated lapses in adhering to the "photo protocol" are fueling speculation about internal divisions, undermining efforts to present a united front.
Understanding the 'Photo Protocol'
The "photo protocol" was recently introduced by state president Rao Narendra Singh to ensure uniformity in party publicity material. Under this directive, photographs of national leaders—including Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, KC Venugopal, and BK Hariprasad—must be displayed at all official events.
At the state level, the protocol mandates the inclusion of photographs of Rao Narendra Singh, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Kumari Selja, Randeep Singh Surjewala, and Deepender Singh Hooda. Additionally, district units were instructed to feature local MPs and MLAs on event posters to promote cohesion and visibility.
Previous Controversies in Hisar
This is not the first time such issues have surfaced in Hisar. Earlier, photographs of Selja and Surjewala were missing from banners outside the district office. Following a party notice, revised posters were issued with all mandated leaders included, indicating a pattern of protocol breaches.
In related developments, Hisar urban district Congress president Bajrang Das Garg recently came under scrutiny for his absence from a 10-day training camp for district presidents in Kurukshetra and subsequent organisational meetings in Chandigarh, adding to the perception of disarray.
Political Context and Reactions
Political observers have noted the recent luncheon hosted in New Delhi by former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda at the official residence of Deepender Singh Hooda, which saw participation from nearly 90 opposition MPs. The presence of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi at this gathering was viewed as politically significant, especially amid ongoing speculation about factional divides within the Haryana unit.
In response to the Narnaund incident, Haryana Congress president Rao Narendra Singh clarified that he had no prior information about the programme. "I did not receive any invitation. The party issued clear instructions under the photo protocol that photographs of all designated leaders must be displayed, as it sends a positive message. It is possible that this was a personal event," he stated, attempting to downplay the controversy while emphasizing protocol adherence.
The repeated breaches of the photo protocol underscore the challenges facing the Haryana Congress as it navigates internal rivalries and strives for unity ahead of future political engagements.
