Mon Sep 23 14:12:59 UTC 2024: ## Congress’ Selja at Center of Political Storm in Haryana
The upcoming Haryana elections have taken a dramatic turn with Union Home Minister Amit Shah accusing Congress of neglecting Dalit welfare and specifically targeting party leader Kumari Selja.
Addressing a rally, Shah claimed that Congress disrespected Dalit leaders like Selja and Dr Ashok Tanwar, further alleging they denied Dr. B.R. Ambedkar the Bharat Ratna until they were in power. This attack appears aimed at exploiting the factionalism within the Haryana Congress, where Selja is aligned with Randeep Surjewala’s camp, a rival to former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s faction.
Adding fuel to the fire, BJP leader and former CM Manohar Lal Khattar had recently invited Selja to join the BJP, suggesting she was not respected within Congress. Selja, however, rejected the offer, declaring her loyalty to the party.
Congress leaders have dismissed Shah’s claims, urging BJP to focus on their internal issues and reaffirming Selja’s commitment to the party. Selja’s own campaign for the upcoming election was cut short when Congress decided not to field her, leading to discontent. However, senior leader Randeep Surjewala assured that Selja remains with the party and will continue campaigning.
The current situation highlights the deepening rift within the Congress and the BJP’s attempt to exploit it for political gain in the crucial Haryana election.
First Piper 