Congress Slams BJP’s Haryana Candidate List, Predicts Defeat

Congress MP Kumari Selja criticized the BJP's first list of candidates for Haryana Assembly polls, claiming they lack strong contenders and have already conceded defeat. She pointed out the ruling party’s struggles, including fielding outsiders and missing senior leaders, reflecting their waning support and desperation.

After the BJP unveiled its initial list of 67 candidates for the Haryana Assembly polls, Congress MP Kumari Selja on Thursday criticized the ruling party, stating they lack strong candidates and have conceded defeat. She highlighted that BJP, in power for the last decade, is now seeing members deserting them, prompting them to choose outsiders as candidates.

In a meeting held at Himachal Bhawan in New Delhi, the Congress sub-committee discussed the upcoming Haryana elections. Post-meeting, Selja pointed to the BJP's frustration reflected in their candidate list, comparing the situation to an infertile land. She questioned why CM Nayab Singh Saini, who recently won his seat with a good margin, is opting to contest from another constituency, suggesting a sign of underlying issues.

Addressing her potential candidacy, Selja stated that the final decision rests with the party's high command. Meanwhile, the BJP's list includes prominent figures like Gian Chand Gupta for Panchkula, Anil Vij for Ambala Cantt, and Bhavya Bishnoi for Adampur. The Haryana legislative assembly elections will take place on October 5, with candidate nominations closing on September 12 and vote counting slated for October 8.

The Election Commission of India on August 31 revised the Haryana polling date to October 5 and rescheduled the counting for both Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana assemblies to October 8.

(With inputs from agencies.)