Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda held the Election Commission responsible for the Congress party's defeat in the Haryana Assembly elections, while other leaders pointed to internal divisions and caste polarisation during an open-house discussion with new state in-charge Sanjay Dutt in Chandigarh. The meeting, held on July 8, 2026, brought simmering factionalism to the fore.
Leaders Trade Barbs Over Election Defeat
Sirsa MP Kumari Selja said the failure to return to power remained a big question mark, noting that problems arise when party workers are divided on the ground. “Every time a new person in-charge arrives, we say we would move forward and work together; however, this needed to be translated into action, not just words,” she added.
Former union minister Birender Singh stressed that a Congress worker's identity should not be defined by association with any specific individual but by the party's ideology. Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda targeted the BJP, alleging that the Haryana government was not formed by the will of the people but brought about by the Election Commission and the use of black money.
Surjewala Calls for 'Operation' Against BJP
General Secretary Randeep Surjewala said that homeopathic medicine would not work against the BJP in Haryana; instead, an “operation will have to be done.” Responding to Deepender Hooda’s comment on Congress's high vote percentage, Surjewala asked, “But how many MLAs came?”
He advised caution about SIR, warning that efforts would be made to reduce Congress votes by 5,000 to 10,000 in every assembly constituency. Surjewala pointed to caste polarisation as the reason for Congress's defeat, noting the party lost in Ahirwal and needed to include Agarwals, Punjabis and Brahmins to win cities.
Hooda Blames Election Commission, Calls for Street Action
Former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda held the Election Commission directly responsible for the defeat. On factionalism, he said differences of opinion occur within a family. “If you want to unite everyone, bring them out onto the streets,” he said, urging Dutt to give workers a programme to fight on the streets, as the Constitution and democracy were in danger.
Hooda asked Surjewala to stand by him and then watch the spectacle. Surjewala replied, “I have been standing by you for 20 years; now it is your turn.”
New In-Charge Sanjay Dutt Seeks Unity Pledge
Sanjay Dutt said if the party wanted to change the government, it must first strengthen the organisation. “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. There is immense power in unity; if we stand together and work together, we will become a powerful force,” he said.
Dutt added, “I want three pledges from the party workers. I seek a pledge of unity, discipline and hard work from the workers. We will move together and work together.” He also held one-to-one talks with MPs and MLAs after the open house.
