Mon Sep 23 14:12:53 UTC 2024: ## Selja Rejects BJP Offer, Remains Loyal to Congress Amid Haryana Election Tensions

**Chandigarh:** Senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Kumari Selja, a prominent Dalit face, has firmly rejected an offer to join the BJP, stating that the saffron party is a “declining force” in Haryana. Her decision comes amid growing tensions within the Haryana Congress over the distribution of tickets for the upcoming state assembly elections.

In an exclusive interview with AajTak, Selja asserted her loyalty to the Congress, dismissing the possibility of switching sides. Her response followed a public invitation from Union Minister and former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who urged Selja to join the BJP. Khattar’s offer came after Selja distanced herself from the campaign, fueled by reports of dissatisfaction within the Haryana Congress.

The party is currently divided into two factions: one led by former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and the other by Selja and Randeep Surjewala. While Hooda is seen as the frontrunner for the Chief Minister’s post, Selja has expressed her desire to hold the top position.

Khattar capitalized on the internal rift within the Congress, highlighting the lack of clarity on their Chief Ministerial candidate and the “infighting” between Bhupinder and his son Deepender Hooda. He pointed to Selja’s disengagement and suggested that many were considering their options, hinting at a possible shift towards the BJP.

Despite Khattar’s claims of possibilities, Selja maintained her stand, stating that she doesn’t need any advice and will not join the BJP. She also clarified that the Congress’s Chief Ministerial pick remains undecided and the final call will be made by the party high command. However, Selja confirmed her intention to contest the upcoming assembly polls.

The tensions within the Haryana Congress stem from the distribution of tickets, with Selja reportedly receiving only 13 out of 90 tickets, including those for sitting MLAs, despite the state having 17 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs). This allocation has led to discontent among Selja’s supporters, particularly after her close ally Dr Ajay Chaudhary was denied a ticket for the Narnaund assembly constituency.

The situation further escalated when a Congress worker made a casteist remark against Selja during the nomination event of Jassi Petwad, the party’s candidate for Narnaund. This incident has angered Selja’s supporters and created discontent within the Dalit community, adding to the internal challenges faced by the Congress in Haryana.

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