Former CM slams BJP over ignoring merit and reservation in jobs under Kaushal Rozgar scheme

Launching a sharp attack on the BJP government, former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda accused it of ignoring merit and reservation in job placement under the Kaushal Rozgar Nigam. He referred to the government as ‘contractor’ for providing only contractual jobs to youth instead of permanent jobs.

While addressing two gatherings in Karnal and Kaithal district, he said “The BJP government has failed to provide permanent jobs. It provided jobs under the Kaushal Rozgar Nigam by ignoring merit, reservation and job security. It is a hub of corruption, where jobs are sold in wholesale.”

He addressed one gathering in Sanghoi village of Indri Assembly segment, where he appealed people to vote for the party's candidate Rakesh Kamboj. Later, he addressed another rally in Pundri in support of party candidate Sultan Jadola.

Hooda emphasised the contrast between Congress' rule from 2005 to 2014 and the BJP's tenure from 2014 to 2024. He said Haryana flourished under the Congress regime but has deteriorated in the last decade under the BJP.

“During Congress' tenure, Haryana was number one in sectors like education, development, industry, employment, law and order and others, but under the BJP rule, the state now ranks highest in crime, extortion, unemployment, inflation, poor law and order and other issues,” he said.

Hooda also questioned the government’s decision to abolish job reservations for Dalits and Backward Classes, calling it a deliberate step to abolish their rights. He highlighted delays in justice for wrestlers and stressed that inflation is crushing ordinary people. He also highlighted the issue of farmers’ plight and said, “The BJP had promised to double the income of farmers, but instead, the cost of farming has multiplied, with diesel, fertilisers, and other inputs becoming expensive, leading to increased debt for farmers.”

He also pointed out that during the Congress tenure, around four lakh plots were provided to poor families, but this scheme had been stopped by the BJP government.

Hooda also promised to raise the income limit for Backward Classes to Rs 10 lakh and said, “We had raised the income limit to Rs 8 lakh, which was reduced by the BJP to Rs 6 lakh and later ahead of elections it has raised the limit to Rs 8 lakh. I promise if elected, we will raise the limit to Rs 10 lakh.”

“We will provide Rs 6,000 monthly pension for elderly people, LPG cylinder for Rs 500, 300 units of free electricity for poor families, 2 lakh permanent jobs, and health insurance of up to Rs 25 lakh,” said Hooda. He also promised a guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers.

While taking a dig on “Meri Fasal, Mera Byora” portal, Hooda said these portals have increased the hardships of farmers. “The corruption in the system has reached new heights,” Hooda asserted.

Making an appeal to elect Rakesh Kamboj from Indri and Sultan Jadola from Pundri, Hooda assured them to form Congress’ government in Haryana. “You need to elect a Congress candidate, and I will ensure the formation of a Congress government. This is the only way you can get rid of a regime that has oppressed farmers, youth, government employees and other sections of society,” Hooda maintained.

While interacting with media persons, Hooda denied any rift in the Congress. He said, “There is no rift in the Congress. These are stories created by the media. Congress is united, and it will form the government with a strong majority.”