Hooda faction ups ante for Haryana Congress chief ouster

NEW DELHI: With Haryana Congress chief Ashok Tanwar refusing to resign in the wake of the party’s washout in Lok Sabha elections, the Bhupinder Singh Hooda faction met at the former CM’s residence and urged the leadership to “take steps to strengthen the state unit” facing elections in three months — a demand viewed as pressing its claim for Tanwar’s ouster.
A brainstorming to review the party’s defeat called by AICC general secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad last week turned into a factional brawl, with allegations and counter allegations marring the discussions.Tanwar went to the extent of retaliating at his detractors led by Hooda by remarking “you shoot me if you want”.
In public comments on Sunday, Tanwar reiterated that he would not quit as the Lok Sabha defeat in Haryana was a collective responsibility.
Given the backdrop, the meeting at Hooda’s residence turned out to be a sober affair, according to a participant.
While there were no factional claims, the resolution made it clear that the gathering expects the AICC to rejig the state unit. The demand has all along been for Tanwar’s removal.
When contacted, Hooda refused to comment on Tanwar’s remarks. “It is for the leadership to decide,” the former CM told TOI.
An MLA who attended the meeting called by Hooda said the leader stopped participants who wanted to “raise other issues” but met them separately to hear their views. Also, he asked the gathering — 13 MLAs, former MLAs and MPs — to submit their suggestions in writing about how Congress could prepare for the coming assembly battle.
The leadership issue is tantalisingly poised. While none of the factions is willing to budge, the high command too appears paralysed by the issues arising from the Lok Sabha debacle. The biggest confusion stems from Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s reported insistence on quitting as party chief. The AICC’s refusal to give a conclusive message that CWC’s rejection of Rahul’s resignation was final, has only deepened the uncertainty.
However, the party has a small window to bring the factions together to face what is going to be an extremely tough assembly challenge for Congress.
With no fireworks in the meeting at Hooda’s residence, meaning is being attached to his direction to sympathisers to give their suggestions on election strategy in 10 days. If the leadership fails to take a decision in the next 10 days, what course of action would Hooda adopt?
Importantly, meaning is also being attached to Tanwar’s public refusal to quit the state chief’s post, especially since he is seen as close to Rahul. Many wonder if his remarks are being made at the behest of the leadership.