Sat Sep 14 07:55:59 UTC 2024: ## Congress Faces Rebellion in Haryana, Threatening 2024 Election Chances

**Chandigarh, October 4, 2024:** The Congress party in Haryana is facing a wave of dissent just days before the state’s assembly elections, putting their chances of victory in jeopardy. Despite announcing the majority of their candidates hours before the nomination deadline, the party has been unable to quell unrest in at least six constituencies.

Several prominent figures, including former MLAs and ministers, have filed independent nominations after being denied party tickets. This rebellion has been attributed to dissatisfaction with candidate selections, particularly the perceived dominance of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda in choosing candidates.

Among the rebels are:

* **Sampat Singh**, former minister, who filed an independent nomination in Nalwa.
* **Rohita Rewri**, former MLA from Panipat (urban).
* **Chitra Sarwara**, who filed as an independent from Ambala cantonment after her father was given the ticket in Ambala (city).
* **Sharda Rathore**, former MLA, who filed in Ballabhgarh.
* **Lalit Nagar**, former MLA, who filed from Tigaon accusing the party of “stabbing him in the back.”
* **Ram Kishan (Fauji)**, former MLA, who filed from Bawani Khera.

Other notable figures like Brijpal Chhappar and Pinky Chhappar have left the party, while former Minister Ramkumar Valmiki and Prem Hingakhedi are also running independently.

Adding to the internal strife, a public feud between Hooda and Sirsa MP Selja Kumari over control of the party’s leadership is also threatening to derail their campaign. Selja Kumari has openly expressed her desire to become Chief Minister, while Hooda seems to be holding the reins on candidate selections.

The Congress, without an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party, released two lists of candidates, with the first list heavily favoring Hooda’s faction.

With these internal conflicts and the threat of rebels splitting the vote, the Congress faces a difficult fight in the upcoming elections, scheduled for October 5. Their ability to overcome these challenges will be critical for their chances of securing victory in Haryana.

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