Congress pushes for unity in Haryana amid internal strife

Hopefuls for the district president position submitted applications, emphasising the party's push for unity and preparedness. However, the absence of local MLA Gokul Setia underscored the internal divisions the party aims to overcome.

The meeting at Congress Bhawan was overseen by AICC Secretary Christopher Tilak, alongside PCC observers and senior figures, including Sirsa MP Kumari Selja and former state president Dr Ashok Tanwar.

Selja stressed the need for members to set aside differences and work together to strengthen the party at the booth level, ensuring everyone receives due respect. She said a renewed organisational structure would bring back discipline and foster greater unity.

Selja told Tilak that the BJP lacks a strong base in Sirsa, where the political contest has traditionally been between Congress and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD). She highlighted that the Congress currently holds three seats, while INLD holds two. PCC observer Shamsher Singh Gogi said future meetings would focus strictly on organisational matters, with plans to gather input from workers in every Assembly constituency before a final report is submitted to the party's high command.

Setia's absence sparks concerns

The absence of Sirsa MLA Gokul Setia drew attention, especially after he released a video accusing Congress leader Ashok Tanwar of supporting an opposing candidate in the Assembly election.

Setia questioned why the Congress leadership was not addressing leaders who had worked against party candidates?

Addressing Factionalism

After the meeting, observer Christopher Tilak addressed the media, stating that despite the lack of a strong organisation in the Sirsa parliamentary constituency, Congress managed to secure six out of nine seats. He asserted that if the party had been better organised, Congress would currently be in power in the state. He announced plans to visit all Assembly constituencies and hold another meeting in Sirsa on June 16, after which a panel of six names will be recommended for the district president post.

Tilak acknowledged factionalism within the party but emphasised that Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge are seriously addressing internal divisions, confident that the party will get back on track once the organisational structure is firmly in place.