The All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary and party MP from Sirsa, Kumari Selja, is set to kick off a padyatra (foot march) by the end of July. The objective is to strengthen the Congress’s presence in urban areas across Haryana ahead of the state Assembly elections slated for October this year.

Selja’s yatra will run parallel to the “Haryana Maange Hisab” campaign initiated by the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC). This campaign aims to challenge the BJP-led government in the state and was launched by Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda on July 15 from Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s constituency, Karnal. Deepender is the son of Congress veteran and ex-CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Assembly.

In an exclusive interview, Kumari Selja shared her concerns about the current state of the Haryana Congress, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and balanced approach to achieve success in the upcoming elections.

Selja: “In Haryana Congress, it is totally one-sided now, a monopoly, which won’t bring desired Assembly poll results. The party needs to engage with all its members and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard. My padyatra is aimed at connecting with the grassroots and understanding the issues that matter to the people. We need a collective effort to take on the BJP effectively.”

Selja’s padyatra aims to cover various urban belts, engaging with local communities and addressing their grievances. She believes that a direct interaction with the public will help the Congress understand and tackle the issues faced by the urban population, which is crucial for the party’s strategy in the upcoming elections.

The “Haryana Maange Hisab” campaign, led by Deepender Hooda, focuses on holding the current government accountable for its promises and performance. The campaign has gained momentum, with Hooda critiquing the BJP’s governance and highlighting the need for change.

Selja on the parallel campaigns: “Both the padyatra and the ‘Haryana Maange Hisab’ campaign are essential. While the latter is focused on questioning the BJP’s failures, my yatra will work on strengthening our base and reconnecting with the urban electorate. We need a multifaceted approach to ensure our victory.”

Kumari Selja also addressed the internal dynamics within the Haryana Congress, calling for unity and cooperation among its leaders.

Selja: “For us to succeed, we must present a united front. Internal divisions and monopolistic control will only weaken our chances. Every leader and worker must feel valued and be given the opportunity to contribute to the party’s success.”

As the padyatra and the “Haryana Maange Hisab” campaign unfold, the Haryana Congress aims to consolidate its position and present a formidable challenge to the BJP in the upcoming state Assembly elections. With Kumari Selja’s padyatra focusing on grassroots engagement and Deepender Hooda’s campaign holding the government accountable, the Congress hopes to create a strong narrative and regain its foothold in Haryana.