31 MLAs gather at Hooda’s house in show of strength

Haryana Congress strongman Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Wednesday welcomed 31 of Congress' 37 MLAs at his national capital residence, which became a location for a show of strength ahead of the crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting in Chandigarh later this week.

The meeting, the MLAs said, was scheduled for October 18 to elect the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly.

Only six MLAs were absent, with Hooda telling The Tribune that the meeting was "informal”.

“Everyone wanted to come and meet me, to exchange notes. So, this is an informal get-together. There is nothing formal about it,” he said, reiterating that he had accepted the Haryana election result “under protest”.

“All options, including legal options, are open before us,” Hooda said, when asked what his next step would be, considering the party had already petitioned the Election Commission about alleged EVM discrepancies in 20 segments out of 90.

Outgoing Haryana CLP leader Hooda described the poll result as: “Maanav par machine bhaari pad gayi (EVM proved more powerful than people).” Asked whether he was again in the race for the CLP leader's position, Hooda said, “The party will take a call.”

All 31 MLAs who arrived at his residence today pledged support to him and are likely to tell the central AICC observers — Ashok Gehlot, Ajay Maken and Partap Bajwa — about the choice.

Most MLAs the Tribune spoke to said their loyalties remained with the former CM who “steered the party well during Haryana poll and worked very hard”.

“We would all want BS Hooda to stay the CLP leader,” a senior Haryana Congress MLA said.