
The political landscape in Haryana has shifted dramatically, and the Congress party has struggled to maintain its grip. One key reason is the division within its leadership, particularly between Bhupinder Singh Hooda, a prominent Jat leader, and Kumari Selja, a Dalit leader. Their strained relationship led to fractured voter bases, impacting the party’s overall strength. Hooda’s dominance within the party, especially in Jat-dominated areas, created resentment among Dalit communities, where Kumari Selja had considerable influence.
The Dalit factor played a crucial role in the 2024 election, with a growing demand for stronger representation and recognition. However, internal factionalism weakened the Congress’s ability to present a united front. Additionally, the BJP’s outreach to Dalit voters in Haryana, coupled with targeted welfare schemes, eroded Congress’s traditional base. The party’s inability to effectively balance its leadership dynamics and appeal to a broader electorate contributed to its downfall in this election, with the BJP and other regional forces making significant inroads.