... while BJP, INLD to revise strategies

Ravi S Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 12

The BJP and the INLD will revise their independent political strategies in Haryana in light of former state Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s sudden announcement to launch a campaign against the ML Khattar government from Kandela, Jind district, on May 31.

Leadership of the two parties has been reportedly taken aback with the Congress getting into combative mode to regain its base just after six months of the last Assembly elections.

While the executive of the state BJP will take stock of the situation during its meeting convened at Kurukshetra on May 15, the INLD will strategise its moves soon after the exercise, which is underway, to revamp its organisation.

A few days ago, Hooda announced that his statewide campaign would question the policies of the government and highlight the development works accomplished by Congress government headed by him in the preceding 10 years.

Congress central leadership is understood to have approved the proposed campaign.

Sources said farmers issues would be one of the pillars of Hooda’s campaign. The Congress central leadership has made land acquisition law a national issue.

Responding to Congress’ move, BJP national secretary and in-charge of the party affairs in Haryana Anil Jain said: “The BJP is committed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for Bharat Mukt Congress.”

On the other hand, INLD’s vice-president Antram Tanwar said: “Hooda is a threat to the INLD, but cannot revive the Congress in Haryana.”

He said Hooda was part of the Congress and will have to explain the role of his party in the present plight of the farmers in the country.

The ruling BJP and the INLD, which is the principal Opposition in Haryana, have reasons to be wary of Congress’ move to win over the farming community.

Hooda played a key role in mobilising workers from Haryana in the farmers’ rally.