Congress Announces Haryana Candidacy Strategy Amid Chief Minister Speculations

The Congress party in India has declared that none of its Members of Parliament (MPs) will be allowed to contest in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. However, MPs interested in becoming the chief ministerial candidate can present themselves post-elections if they secure the support of the newly-elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). Senior leaders like Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Deepender Hooda, Kumari Selja, and Randeep Surjewala are speculated to be potential candidates. The party plans to finalize its candidates for 50 to 55 seats soon.

The Congress party in India has resolutely decided that none of its sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) will contest the Haryana Assembly elections, scheduled for October 1. In an announcement made Thursday, the party clarified that MPs interested in the chief ministerial post could vie for it post-elections if backed by elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).

Congress General Secretary Deepak Babaria's statement comes amid speculation over senior leaders like Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Deepender Hooda, Kumari Selja, and Randeep Surjewala being in the race for the top position. Notably, Selja and Deepender are Lok Sabha members, while Surjewala represents Haryana in the Rajya Sabha. Bhupinder Hooda is currently the leader of the opposition in the Haryana Assembly.

The Congress emphasized its strategy of entering the elections with a collective leadership approach, asserting that candidates for 50 to 55 seats have already been finalized, with a tentative meeting of the central election committee set for early September to release the final list.

(With inputs from agencies.)