Hooda Condemns Haryana Government Over Law & Order Breakdown and Economic Threats
In a sharp rebuke delivered in Hisar, former Haryana chief minister and current leader of the opposition, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, has accused the state government of "maliciously targeting" rival lawmakers to conceal what he describes as a "total collapse in law and order". Speaking on Monday, the Congress veteran highlighted that this crisis is driving industries to flee the region, exacerbating economic instability.
Security Environment Deteriorates Amid Organized Crime Surge
Hooda asserted that Haryana has become a playground for organized crime, with reports indicating 80 to 90 active gangs operating with near-total impunity. He cited a recent brazen murder in Rohtak, committed near the inspector general's office, as evidence that criminals no longer fear state authorities. "Businessmen, doctors, and professionals are being hounded for extortion," Hooda stated, adding that this atmosphere of fear is stifling economic growth and causing investment to decline.
The opposition leader condemned a recent FIR filed against the Guhla Cheeka MLA, who reportedly showed a "rattle" to an official to protest government inaction, labeling it a tactic to silence elected representatives. This critique comes ahead of a high-stakes assembly session where the opposition plans to move a special resolution on public safety, focusing on the deteriorating security environment.
Economic Policies Under Fire: Anti-Farmer Trade Deal and Welfare Cuts
Shifting to economic issues, Hooda joined a growing chorus of leaders attacking a proposed trade agreement with the US, characterizing it as a direct threat to Haryana's agricultural backbone. "The reduction in tariffs will devastate our cotton growers and other farmers," he warned, calling the deal "fundamentally anti-farmer." He further alleged a "stealth tax" on agriculture, claiming the government reduced the weight of fertiliser bags from 50 kg to 40 kg while keeping prices static, thereby increasing costs for farmers.
On social welfare, Hooda took aim at the state's management of safety nets, alleging significant post-election cuts to aid for the poor. He noted that nearly 14 lakh ration cards have been cancelled statewide, including 54,000 in the Ambala district alone. Additionally, he criticized the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, alleging it generated more than ₹2,000 crore in profit while paying out less than 10% of claims to struggling farmers. Hooda dismissed the government's claim of "restoring" 70,000 pensions, pointing out it contradicts their previous insistence that no pensions had been cut initially.
Defiant Stance Ahead of Legislative Session
Despite recent police actions against Congress workers in Panchkula, Hooda remained defiant, stating that "water cannons and detentions" would not deter the opposition from challenging the government on critical issues like employment and public safety in the upcoming legislative sitting. He emphasized that the opposition will continue to hold the government accountable for what he views as failures in governance and policy.
This comprehensive critique underscores the deepening political rift in Haryana, with Hooda positioning the Congress party as a vocal advocate for security, economic fairness, and social welfare reforms as the state faces mounting challenges.
