Recent visits by BJP ministers and MLAs to the residences of Congress leaders in Hisar have ignited political chatter about possible defections. The visits targeted Congress Narnaund MLA Jassi Petwar and party functionary Sonia Doohan, leading to widespread speculation about a political switch. However, both leaders have firmly dismissed such rumors.
Doohan Denies Switch Rumors
Sonia Doohan responded directly to the speculation. She stated that if she intended to join the ruling BJP, such meetings would occur discreetly rather than in public view. Doohan emphasized that any decision of this nature would involve discussions with the central BJP leadership, not just local figures.
Doohan also highlighted her family connection to Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda. She noted that her grandmother belonged to the Dhanda clan, explaining the personal dimension of the interaction. This family tie added another layer to the political narrative unfolding in Hisar.
Petwar Clarifies Ministerial Visit
The visit to Congress MLA Jassi Petwar's home followed events involving Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant. The CJI attended multiple programs in Hisar and Hansi during a recent visit. After these events, Union Minister Meghwal along with state ministers Mahipal Dhanda and Ranbir Gangwa visited Petwar's residence.
Petwar provided context for the ministerial visit. He explained that a program was planned at his home to honor the Chief Justice, since his residence lay on the route to a scheduled event at Government College, Hisar. However, time constraints prevented the CJI from attending either engagement.
The Congress MLA maintained his commitment to his party role. "I continue to serve as a Congress MLA," Petwar stated. He described interactions with BJP ministers on constituency-related issues as routine occurrences in political life. "When they came to my house, I offered them tea. Such meetings are normal in public life," he added.
Doohan's Political Background
Sonia Doohan is no stranger to political maneuvering. She first gained national attention in 2019 during a significant political episode. Doohan facilitated the exit of four NCP MLAs from a Gurugram hotel amid fears they might defect to the BJP following Ajit Pawar's rebellion. Despite close monitoring by the Haryana government at the time, her effort proved successful.
Following this incident, Doohan became politically active in Haryana. Initial speculation suggested a Congress-NCP alliance, with Doohan likely to contest on an NCP ticket. She later joined the Congress party directly and emerged as a strong contender for the Narnaund seat. However, the ticket ultimately went to Jassi Petwar.
Despite this setback, Doohan actively campaigned for the Congress during elections. Her political journey encountered controversy during the campaign. An incident at a Congress rally in Narnaund on October 3, 2024, sparked significant discussion. A viral video showed alleged misbehaviour by party workers toward Doohan on stage in the presence of party leader Deepender Hooda. Congress leader Kumari Selja later reacted strongly to this incident.
BJP's Political Strategy
The BJP has already begun preparations for what it calls 'Mission 2029' in Haryana. After securing power for a third consecutive term in the 2024 assembly elections, the party has implemented a strategic plan. BJP leadership has assigned twelve ministers and thirty MLAs as in-charges of forty-two assembly constituencies the party lost in recent elections.
This reorganization included relieving six MLAs of constituency responsibilities. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was among those relieved of these duties, indicating a broader strategic reshuffle within the party structure. The BJP's proactive approach suggests early preparation for future electoral battles in the state.
The political landscape in Haryana remains dynamic with these developments. While visits between political opponents generate speculation, both Congress leaders maintain their party affiliations. The BJP continues its organizational strengthening even after recent electoral success.
