Haryana Assembly Election Results 2024: Who will be the CM - Hooda, Selja, or Surjewala?

The Haryana Assembly Elections 2024 have set the political stage ablaze, with exit polls signaling a clear advantage for the Congress party. As the final results near, all eyes are on the leadership battle within Congress. With 90 assembly seats up for grabs and a majority threshold of 46, the exit polls predict that Congress could secure between 50-55 seats, leaving the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with a significantly reduced presence of 20-25 seats. This marks a major shift from the national narrative, where the BJP has dominated the political landscape under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for over a decade.

A Congress win in Haryana, a critical Hindi heartland state, could be a much-needed morale boost for the opposition ahead of future national challenges. However, victory brings with it its own set of challenges, primarily the question of who will be the Chief Minister if the exit poll predictions materialize. The Congress state unit, long plagued by internal factions, now faces a "problem of plenty" as it deliberates on leadership.

Among the frontrunners for the Chief Minister's post is Bhupinder Singh Hooda, a seasoned politician and two-time Chief Minister who led Haryana from 2005 to 2014. Hooda’s deep roots in Haryana politics and his experience make him a natural choice for the top position. His recent remark, "I am not retired yet," reflects his readiness to lead once more, though he has remained cautious about making any definitive statements ahead of the results.

Kumari Selja, another strong contender, represents a different faction within the party. A former Lok Sabha MP and a prominent Dalit leader, Selja has served as the President of the Haryana Congress and is known for her proximity to the Gandhi family. Her leadership could provide Congress with a fresh face and a more inclusive direction, aligning with the party’s broader national goals of social justice and equality.

Randeep Surjewala, Congress' national spokesperson and All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary, has also emerged as a key player in the leadership race. Known for his sharp political acumen and loyalty to the Congress leadership, Surjewala, at 57, could represent a generational shift within the party's Haryana leadership. Although he has maintained that the party's high command will make the final decision, his influence within the party and his role in several key issues give him a legitimate claim to the Chief Minister's post.

The internal dynamics of the Congress party will play a crucial role in determining who ultimately secures the top job. While Hooda remains a favorite due to his past experience and influence, the growing presence of leaders like Selja and Surjewala cannot be discounted. The Congress high command, led by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, will have to balance the competing interests within the party to ensure that the decision aligns with their long-term political strategy.

The results of the Haryana Assembly elections are expected to be announced on October 8, and the final decision on the Chief Minister's post will soon follow. As the state waits in anticipation, the Congress party’s choice of leadership will not only shape Haryana’s future but could also influence the broader political landscape of India as the party prepares for national elections.

In the meantime, Bhupinder Singh Hooda is camping in Delhi, where he is expected to engage with senior Congress leaders to consolidate his position. Kumari Selja, known for her strategic alignment with the party's central leadership, remains committed to the party and is ready to support whatever decision is made. Surjewala, always cautious with his words, has reiterated that he will accept the final decision taken by the party’s high command.

ALSO READ| Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024: Results Announcement and Significance

The 2024 Haryana Assembly elections are a defining moment for the state and a critical juncture for the Congress party. The leadership decision will be a test of the party’s internal cohesion and its ability to make strategic choices that reflect the changing political dynamics in India.