The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has ended a year-long deadlock in Haryana by appointing former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda as the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) and Rao Narender Singh, a former state health minister, as the new president of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) in the Haryana Assembly with immediate effect.
Rao Narender Singh, 61, a senior OBC leader representing the Ahirs (Yadavs) of south Haryana, will take over from Udai Bhan, who belongs to the SC category.
The announcement, made through a letter signed by AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal, brought an end to months of internal disputes that had paralysed the party since the Assembly polls in October last year, when the BJP regained power.
The communication also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing PCC chief Udai Bhan.
Hooda’s elevation, however, faced strong internal opposition. Even with the backing of 29 out of 37 Congress MLAs, his appointment was delayed for months as rival party factions remained resolute.
All camps lobbied strongly for a wider shake-up in the state unit, at one point suggesting former deputy CM Chander Mohan Bishnoi as an alternative.
The deadlock forced the Congress to send observers, including former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, in October last year to assess the views of the MLAs.
Even after an overwhelming majority supported 78-year-old Hooda, the high command hesitated, concerned about alienating senior leaders Kumari Selja and Randeep Surjewala, both general secretaries of the party.
Congress insiders say the delay deepened mistrust and highlighted the fragile fault lines in Haryana Congress.
Sources added that a report by senior leader Bhupesh Baghel pointedly noted the visible distance of some senior leaders during the Assembly campaign. Alleged manipulation of votes also appeared to have affected the party’s prospects.
With the new appointments, Hooda has reasserted his dominance in state politics. The high command chose Rao, who is considered largely neutral in state politics.
Singh, who joined the Congress in 2009, previously served as state health minister under Hooda and is known to have good ties with him. His appointment is also seen as Congress’ move to appeal to OBC voters ahead of the Bihar elections.
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