INLD cadre feels let down

Deepender Deswal
Tribune News Service
Hisar, October 18

Hopeful of their return to power after staying out for about 15 years, the INLD’s cadre, which is known for its loyalty, is concerned about the implications of the family feud in the coming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

Though there have hardly been any voices from within the party to discuss the developments on record, party men admit that the tussle could take a toll on the morale of the party cadre.

When the party came to power last — in 2000 by securing a majority of 47 seats — party patriarch former Deputy PM Devi Lal was alive. He died on April 6, 2001.

Later, the INLD has been out of power in the state, losing three Assembly polls consecutively. The party won nine seats in 2005, 32 seats in 2009 and 19 in 2014. It won two Lok Sabha seats (Hisar and Sirsa) in 2014 after drawing a blank in 2004 and 2009.

“We are keeping a close watch on the day-to-day developments. It definitely has had a demoralising effect for us. Supporters like us are also confused in the developing scenario,” said a teacher from Sisay village here. He added that even if a patch up occurs now, cracks could resurface again during ticket allocation.

Sisay, one of the biggest villages of the state and a traditional stronghold of INLD, has about 12,500 votes. The party has also appointed a villager, Satbir Sisay, as district unit president in the recent reshuffle.

A former MLA from Bhiwani district maintained, “The leadership and cadre have been working hard in the past four years with a sustained campaign on the SYL issue. Besides, Dushyant has worked hard to carve a niche in politics and emerged as a star among the youth. I hope this tussle is short-lived. It is time to rejuvenate the worker.” He said the core worker still had confidence in supremo Om Prakash Chautala.