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The upcoming Haryana Assembly elections are set to be a contentious affair, with the Congress party facing an internal rift over the proposed alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The Congress central leadership, under the guidance of Rahul Gandhi, is pushing for a seat-sharing pact with the AAP to solidify the INDIA bloc's unity. However, this move has been met with strong opposition from within the state unit, particularly from the Bhupinder Singh Hooda faction.
The disagreement stems from a multitude of factors. Firstly, Hooda, the Haryana Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader and former Chief Minister, is unhappy with the proposed seats being offered to the AAP. These seats include Pehowa, Kalayat, and Jind, which are considered to be strongholds of Hooda's faction. The AAP's presence in these areas is seen as a direct challenge to Hooda's influence. Secondly, the Congress leadership's decision to deny tickets to some sitting MLAs, many of whom are close to Hooda, has further exacerbated the tension. The move is seen as a calculated attempt to appease the AAP while weakening Hooda's grip on the state unit.
The AICC leadership, under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge, is keen to secure an alliance with the AAP in Haryana, viewing it as a crucial step towards forming a cohesive INDIA bloc. However, this strategy comes at a heavy price, potentially jeopardizing the Congress's own internal unity. The Hooda faction, along with other senior leaders, is adamant about opposing the AAP alliance, arguing that it would weaken their position in the state and dilute their vote bank. The ongoing negotiations between the Congress and AAP have been marked by disagreements and tension, with the party sub-committee struggling to reach a consensus on candidate selection and seat-sharing arrangements.
The situation in Haryana mirrors the national political landscape, where the Congress is trying to navigate a complex web of alliances and internal conflicts. The party's ability to overcome these internal divisions and forge a successful alliance with the AAP will be a critical test of its political acumen and strategic foresight. The outcome of the Haryana elections will have significant implications for the Congress's national ambitions, as it seeks to regain its lost ground and challenge the ruling BJP.
Source: Rahul Gandhi pitch for Haryana tie-up with AAP splits Congress, runs into Hooda hurdle