In a sharp critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Lok Sabha MP from Rohtak, Deepender Hooda, launched a significant political offensive on Tuesday. He accused both the current Nayab Singh Saini-led government and its predecessor under Manohar Lal Khattar of acting as passive observers while the rights and interests of Haryana were being undermined by the central NDA government.
A Multi-Pronged Attack on State and Centre
Addressing the media alongside fellow Haryana MPs Varun Mullana, Jai Parkash, and Satpal Brahmchari, along with Congress MLAs, Hooda laid out a series of grievances. He pointedly questioned Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's silence before Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union government on critical issues affecting the state.
The MP demanded that Haryana be declared a host or co-host state for the Commonwealth Games 2030 and the Olympics 2036, events for which India has shown interest. He highlighted Haryana's disproportionate contribution to Indian sports, noting that in the last Olympics, about 25 percent of the athletes were from the state. "Since 2006, in all games including the Olympics, 50 percent of the medals and 25 percent of the athletes were from Haryana. But when the opportunity to host the Commonwealth Games 2030 came, we never got a chance," Hooda stated.
Economic Disparity and Administrative Neglect
Hooda presented data to underscore economic injustice, claiming that Haryana faces the lowest budget allocation in the country despite its high revenue generation. He alleged that the central government collects 7.10 percent of GST from Haryana but returns only a 1.009 percent share. Furthermore, he stated that Haryana also leads the nation in toll collection, yet sees minimal financial return.
The Congress leader also turned his focus to the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) and the issue of youth employment. He accused HPSC Chairman Alok Verma of humiliating the educated youth of the state. Hooda alleged that in Group A and Group B jobs filled through the HPSC, mostly outsiders are being appointed. "Even the HPSC chairman is from outside," he added, demanding Verma's immediate removal and replacement with a capable individual from among Haryana's 3 crore residents.
Water, Assembly, and a Call to Action
Beyond sports and jobs, Hooda raised other pressing concerns. He criticized the BJP government's silence on the water dispute with Punjab, accusing the neighbouring state of blocking Haryana's supply. He also mentioned the Union government's denial of land for a separate Assembly building and called for the Prime Minister to appoint a resolution authority for the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue.
"We decided that we will not remain silent; we will fight for Haryana's rights from Parliament to the streets," Hooda declared. He asserted that both the central and state BJP governments are systematically sidelining Haryana's legitimate demands and rights.
The comprehensive attack signals a concerted effort by the Congress to corner the relatively new Nayab Singh Saini administration on issues of regional identity, economic justice, and youth welfare, setting the stage for heightened political confrontation in the state.
