Rao Narender meets senior leaders, vows to take all along

Sending out a clear message that he wants to unite the faction-ridden Congress, newly appointed state party chief Rao Narender Singh today went "leader-hopping" in New Delhi, as he called on party "seniors" and leaders of various factions in the state unit.

He met the newly appointed Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala, former Union minister Birender Singh and former minister Capt Ajay Singh Yadav — also a contender for the post of state chief — to drive home the point that he belongs to no faction and would take everyone along. Sirsa MP Kumari Selja was, however, not present as she was out of the country.

Speaking to "The Tribune", Rao Narender said, “It is my duty to meet every senior leader and ensure that we all work collectively to strengthen the party and spread the Congress’s ideology.”

Asked about the seeming differences within the party, he downplayed any discord, saying that all leaders were united in their commitment to the Congress. “We are all on the same page when it comes to strengthening the party. Everyone will come together on a common platform,” he claimed.

Planning to assume charge formally within a week, he said, “Before that, I will visit my hometown Narnaul to meet people.”

He said all senior leaders were expected to be present when he assumed office and that would be the beginning of them sharing a common stage.

On the caste representation in the appointments of the HPCC president and Leader of the Opposition, he said the decision was made by the party high command to ensure inclusive leadership. “The Congress is committed to representing every section of society. This inclusiveness will strengthen the party further,” he said.

After following the Jat-SC model in appointments, the party has decided to give the reins of the state chief to an Ahir leader with a view to countering the BJP's growing influence among the OBCs since CM Nayab Singh Saini took over as the face of the government in the state.

He also hit out at the ruling BJP government, alleging that people were disillusioned. "They feel let down by the BJP, which has failed to meet their expectations in the past 11 years. There is a growing desire among people to embrace the Congress,” he added.