Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Haryana, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, launched a scathing attack on the state's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government on Monday, holding it responsible for the alleged complete destruction of sports infrastructure in Haryana. He issued a stern warning against playing with the lives of the state's sportspersons.
Deaths of Athletes Spark Outrage
Hooda pointed to the tragic and untimely deaths of two young athletes as a direct consequence of government neglect. The athletes lost their lives while playing basketball in Bahadurgarh and Lakhanmajra due to the dilapidated condition of the sporting facilities. He asserted that these were not mere accidents but "murder caused by government negligence." Hooda revealed that despite a grant of Rs 12 lakh provided by MP Deepender Hooda, the government failed to improve the grounds and poles, leading to the fatal incidents.
Demands for Investigation and Compensation
Speaking to reporters at his residence in Chandigarh, Hooda demanded an impartial, high-level investigation into the entire matter. He called for the strictest possible action against those found culpable. Furthermore, he insisted that the families of the two deceased athletes be immediately provided with government jobs and adequate financial assistance as support.
"We categorically warn the government that any attempt to play around with the lives of sportspersons will not be tolerated," the former Chief Minister stated emphatically. He announced his plan to personally visit stadiums across Haryana after the Congress rally in Delhi on December 14. During these visits, he intends to highlight the poor state of sports infrastructure alongside athletes and sports enthusiasts.
Congress Legacy vs. BJP's Maintenance Failure
Hooda contrasted the current scenario with the Congress government's tenure, accusing the BJP regime of failing to maintain the world-class sports infrastructure built previously. He highlighted that the Congress had formulated a special sports policy aimed at diverting youth from drug addiction and crime by encouraging sports.
"Under this policy, the state developed excellent sports infrastructure, received the highest cash rewards in the country, and appointed athletes to high-ranking positions, such as DSP, to secure their futures," he stated, underscoring a comprehensive approach to athlete welfare.
Criticism on Election Commission's 'Haste'
Shifting to another issue, Hooda also criticized the perceived rush in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by the Election Commission. He argued that with elections still years away, the process was being unnecessarily hurried. He claimed this pressure had led to several Booth Level Officers (BLOs) committing suicide, and urged that the exercise be allowed to proceed with proper time and without haste.
The strong accusations from the principal opposition leader set the stage for a renewed political confrontation in Haryana, centering on governance, youth welfare, and athlete safety.
