Ashok Tanwar: In a major political development ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections 2024, Ashok Tanwar has rejoined the Congress after a five-year hiatus. His return, witnessed by Rahul Gandhi and senior Congress party leaders, has sparked debates about its impact on the party’s internal dynamics. A key question arises: Will this move by Bhupinder Singh Hooda neutralise the influence of Selja Kumari, and how will this shift play out in the upcoming elections?
Ashok Tanwar’s Return and the Impact on Congress
Ashok Tanwar, once the president of Haryana Congress, is a significant Dalit leader in the state. He parted ways with Congress five years ago following internal disputes, only to join the BJP briefly. His comeback to Congress, however, has raised eyebrows, especially with the Haryana Assembly elections 2024 fast approaching.
His re-entry seems to have added strength to Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the former Chief Minister of Haryana and the current powerhouse of the Congress in the state. Over the years, Hooda has gained control over a majority of the party’s decisions in Haryana, especially in candidate selection for over 70 of the 90 assembly seats.
Bhupinder Hooda’s Strategy: Strengthening the Party with Ashok Tanwar
It is widely believed that Bhupinder Hooda had a hand in bringing Ashok Tanwar back to Congress. This move is seen as part of Hooda’s strategy to further solidify his position within the party. Tanwar’s return could potentially help Congress regain some of the Dalit votes that had slipped away in recent years.
Tanwar’s stronghold among the Dalit community and his prior experience as Congress state president make him an asset. His re-entry is not just about one leader returning; it is about the re-alignment of internal forces within the Congress in Haryana, which might directly affect the BJP’s prospects in the upcoming elections.
Selja Kumari – A Leader Marginalised?
The return of Ashok Tanwar brings Selja Kumari’s position into question. Once a significant player in Haryana’s politics, she has, in recent years, often voiced her frustration at being sidelined by the party leadership. The lack of influence over the ticket distribution for the assembly elections was a major issue for Selja. Bhupinder Hooda, with his dominance, chose candidates for most of the seats, leaving little room for her input.
Many speculate that Selja Kumari was being overlooked, and some even wondered if she might switch parties. The BJP, noticing her discontent, even extended informal invitations for her to join their camp. However, she has remained loyal to Congress, though her role in the party has appeared diminished.
Does Ashok Tanwar’s Return Neutralise Selja Kumari’s Influence?
With Tanwar back in the Congress fold, there is speculation that Bhupinder Hooda’s faction might now hold even more sway, further diminishing Selja Kumari’s influence within the party. Some political analysts believe that Tanwar’s return could help Congress mend relations with the Dalit community, which might neutralize the concerns raised by Selja about her being marginalized.
At the same time, this could work in favor of Bhupinder Hooda, whose leadership has already managed to secure control over the majority of assembly seats. Tanwar’s Dalit support base could complement Hooda’s Jat support, creating a formidable coalition within the party. If this strategy works, the Congress could effectively sideline the BJP and dampen their attacks on Congress’s alleged neglect of the Dalit community.
The Stakes in the Haryana Assembly Elections 2024
The Haryana Assembly elections 2024 have become a battleground not just between the Congress and the BJP but also within the Congress itself. The internal politics surrounding Bhupinder Hooda, Ashok Tanwar, and Selja Kumari will play a key role in shaping the party’s performance. While the BJP will undoubtedly try to capitalize on any discord within the Congress, Hooda’s leadership and Tanwar’s return may smooth over these internal rifts, presenting a united front.
For now, all eyes are on the unfolding developments within Haryana Congress. Whether Ashok Tanwar’s return will truly resolve the issue of Selja Kumari’s sidelining or lead to a more significant power shift remains to be seen. What is clear, though, is that the Congress, under Bhupinder Hooda’s leadership, has set its sights firmly on winning the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections 2024, and Tanwar’s re-entry could be a crucial piece of that puzzle.
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