Congress pulls out all stops to regain lost ground in Karnal, Kaithal

As the Haryana Assembly elections approach, the Congress is intensifying its efforts to reclaim its lost political ground in Karnal and Kaithal districts. Once a dominant force in these districts, the Congress has seen its influence wane over the past two decades. Now, the party is making a concerted push to regain its past standing.

Following a massive rally in Assandh by Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, key Congress figures such as former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda, Sirsa MP Kumari Selja, Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Surjewala, Hisar MP Jai Parkash, and Sonepat MP Satpal Bharamchari have been actively campaigning across all nine constituencies in Karnal and Kaithal. They are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the success of their candidates, hoping to restore the political dominance they enjoyed in 2005.

In the 2005 elections, Congress secured a historic victory in these districts, winning seven of the nine seats, with one seat going to an Independent candidate and another to the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD). However, the political landscape shifted dramatically in subsequent years.

In 2009, the INLD staged a comeback, winning five seats, while Congress managed only two. An Independent candidate and Haryana Janhit Congress won one seat each. By 2014, Congress’ influence further diminished as the BJP emerged as a dominant force, securing six seats, while Congress won only one, and two seats went to Independents. The 2019 elections proved even more challenging for Congress, as the party managed to win just one seat, while the BJP claimed five, Independents took two, and the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) secured one.

Congress leaders remain optimistic about a potential comeback, relying on issues like anti-incumbency, unemployment, and farmers’ grievances to swing the electorate in their favour. “We are determined to regain our lost political ground. Our leaders are working tirelessly to ensure the victory of all our candidates. We are hopeful that the Congress will sweep all nine seats in Karnal and Kaithal districts,” said Shamsher Singh Gogi, former MLA and Congress candidate from Assandh.

Political analysts also see several key issues that could work in Congress’ favor. Dr Ramji Lal, former Principal of Dyal Singh College in Karnal, believes that unemployment, farmers’ issues, inflation, and anti-incumbency could help Congress regain its foothold. “Congress is banking on the rising unemployment as well as farmers’ issues and anti-incumbency. These factors may result in a direct contest between Congress and its rivals in most constituencies,” said Dr Lal.