Kumari Selja Sidelined by Congress Ahead of Haryana Assembly Polls

With the Haryana Assembly elections just weeks away, the Congress party’s strategic sidelining of Kumari Selja, a prominent Dalit leader, has sparked controversy. Despite her strong grassroots connections, Selja has been marginalized by the party’s top leadership to maintain the influence of former Chief Minister Bhupendra Singh Hooda. This move highlights a troubling anti-Dalit bias within Congress and reveals the extent of Hooda’s control over the party.

The Marginalization of Kumari Selja

Kumari Selja, known for her dedication and loyalty, has seen her role diminished despite her active pre-election campaigning. The abrupt halt in her political activities points to a deliberate effort to weaken her influence. Rahul Gandhi, a key Congress leader, has championed the rights of the oppressed and the deprived, publicly addressing caste issues. However, within his party, Selja’s voice—a strong Dalit leader—has been suppressed, raising questions about the party’s commitment to its stated values.

Hooda’s Dominance and Its Impact

The Congress leadership’s reluctance to challenge Hooda’s dominance has led to a conspicuous imbalance in the party’s candidate list. Out of the 90 assembly seats in Haryana, Congress is contesting 89, but only nine candidates close to Selja have been included, compared to 72 loyal to Hooda. This disparity underscores the systemic marginalization of Dalit leaders within the party.

Selja’s attempts to support candidates like Vidya Rani Danoda from Narwana and Himmat Singh from Ambala City were thwarted, with their tickets cut despite her public endorsement. This action reflects Hooda’s camp’s control over the party and its efforts to undermine Selja’s influence.

Strategic Moves and Sidelining

Selja’s aspirations to contest the assembly elections, even as an MP, were stifled by an internal order that barred MPs from running. This move effectively cut her candidacy before it could even begin, showcasing a strategic sidelining that goes beyond personal humiliation.

The situation exposes internal power struggles within Congress, driven by Hooda’s influence. Despite the party’s claims of representing Dalits, its actions reveal a stark hypocrisy. The interests of the high command are being served through Hooda, who is perceived as the central figure in the Haryana Congress, leading to the exclusion of voices like Selja’s.

Conclusion

The sidelining of Kumari Selja ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections 2024 is a clear indication of the internal power dynamics and anti-Dalit bias within Congress. The party’s failure to genuinely represent Dalits while maintaining the dominance of influential leaders like Bhupendra Singh Hooda raises serious concerns about its commitment to inclusivity and fair representation. As the elections approach, these internal struggles and biases will likely impact voter perceptions and the party’s overall performance.