Sirsa: Bhupinder Hooda to hold rally in Chautala-Kanda bastion

Anil Kakkar

Sirsa, July 24

Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Congress state president Chaudhary Udai Bhan Singh are set to address a workers’ conference on July 26 in Sirsa. Hooda will be holding the rally in the district, which is a stronghold of Indian National Lok Dal leader Abhay Chautala and MLA Gopal Goyal Kanda, after a gap of seven months.

The Chautala family has a significant influence in Sirsa. Kanda, too, is a powerful figure in the region. His brother Gobind Kanda has also contested elections against heavyweights like Ranjit Singh and Abhay Chautala.

Previously, in December 2023, Hooda, his son Deepender Hooda and Udai Bhan had held a rally of farmers and workers in Sirsa, which saw a record turnout. Congress leaders say the upcoming conference is meant to show gratitude to workers for ensuring Kumari Selja’s victory. Though Selja and her supporters are tight-lipped, sources say she may not attend the event.

Leaders associated with the Hooda faction have been actively engaged in a grass-roots campaign for the convention.

Meanwhile, leaders linked with the Selja faction are notably maintaining distance. Hoardings and banners supporting Hooda are also visible in anticipation of the convention.

Congress leaders from the Hooda faction are working round the clock for the convention to strengthen their political foothold in the district. They are campaigning vigorously across all five constituencies of the district. Supporters are expressing solidarity with Hooda and lobbying extensively to secure tickets for the Assembly elections.

The conference is seen as an opportunity for Hooda to assert his political influence in Sirsa and potentially welcome a significant political figure into the party. Hooda’s relationship with Kanda and other local leaders will be closely watched as the political landscape evolves ahead of the Assembly elections.