Bhupinder Singh Hooda: A Complex Figure in Haryana Politics

Bhupinder Singh Hooda, a stalwart of the Indian National Congress, has been a dominant force in Haryana politics for decades. Born on September 15, 1947, in Sanghi village, Rohtak district, Hooda comes from a family with a rich history of political activism. His father, Chaudhary Ranbir Singh Hooda, was a renowned freedom fighter, setting the stage for Bhupinder's entry into politics.

Hooda's political journey began with his involvement in the Youth Congress. He went on to become a Member of Parliament from the Rohtak Lok Sabha segment for four consecutive terms (1991, 1996, 1998, and 2004). His leadership skills and strategic thinking earned him the position of Leader of the Opposition in the Haryana Legislative Assembly from 2001 to 2004 and again from 2019 to the present.

One of Hooda's most significant roles was as the Chief Minister of Haryana from 2005 to 2014. During his tenure, he led the Congress to a historic victory in 2009, marking the first time since 1972 that a ruling party was re-elected in Haryana. This achievement was a testament to his ability to connect with the electorate and implement policies that resonated with the people.

Hooda's commitment to agriculture was evident when he was appointed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to chair the Working Group on Agriculture Production in 2010. This group aimed to recommend strategies and action plans for increasing agricultural production and productivity, ensuring sustained agricultural growth in the state.

However, Hooda's tenure has not been without controversy. He has faced several allegations of misappropriation of funds and scams, including the Gurugram-Manesar IMT land scam and the Robert Vadra DLF land grab scam. These cases have led to ongoing investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The recent Haryana Assembly elections saw Hooda playing a pivotal role in shaping the Congress's electoral strategy. Despite his influence over the Jat community, the party's over-reliance on him and the Jat vote base proved costly. The Congress fielded 28 Jat candidates but failed to mobilize effectively among non-Jat and Dalit voters, leading to a dismal performance in the elections.

The BJP's victory in Haryana has been attributed to its strategic approach and ability to consolidate non-Jat communities, including OBCs and Brahmins. The party's success in regions like Ahirwal, traditionally a BJP stronghold, further compounded the Congress's woes. The internal strife within the Congress party, particularly between Hooda and Dalit leader Kumari Selja, also weakened its campaign and alienated key voter blocs.

The loss has sparked intense criticism from Congress's allies in the INDIA bloc. Leaders like Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut and Trinamool Congress's Saket Gokhale have blamed Congress's arrogance and refusal to collaborate with smaller parties for the defeat. The BJP's systematic management and grassroots campaign were praised by these leaders, highlighting the importance of alliances in electoral success.

As the Congress party introspects on its loss, it is clear that Hooda's dominance in decision-making led to an over-reliance on Jat voters. The party must broaden its appeal and mend internal rifts to regain relevance in Haryana. Without addressing these issues, the road ahead for Congress remains fraught with challenges.

Hooda remains confident in Congress's ability to win the next elections, emphasizing the party's unity and commitment to addressing key state issues like unemployment and law and order. The party's manifesto includes promises such as monthly allowances for women, cheaper LPG cylinders, MSP guarantees for farmers, and more. However, the BJP's plans to create jobs and uplift marginalized communities if re-elected pose a significant challenge to Congress's return to power.

In conclusion, Bhupinder Singh Hooda's legacy in Haryana politics is complex and multifaceted. While he has been a driving force behind several significant initiatives, his tenure has also been marred by controversy. As the Congress party looks to the future, it must learn from its mistakes and adapt to the changing political landscape of Haryana.