Hooda Launches Scathing Attack on BJP Government in Kurukshetra
Former Haryana chief minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda arrived in Kurukshetra on Saturday. He attended a Congress training camp for district presidents and stayed overnight to address party workers.
Congress Leader Issues Directives for Political Battle
During the session, Hooda issued clear instructions to party leaders. He urged them to remain fully prepared for the upcoming political battle. Hooda asked district presidents to take key public issues to the grassroots level.
He highlighted several critical concerns facing Haryana's citizens. These include widespread unemployment, organised crime, drug abuse, migration, neglect of farmers, and the continued marginalisation of poor and SC-OBC communities.
Allegations of Failed Governance and Broken Promises
Hooda alleged that the BJP government has failed to fulfil a single promise made to the people of Haryana. He claimed the administration has delivered neither development nor good governance.
The Congress leader accused the BJP of focusing only on scams while weakening Haryana's interests. He said jobs meant for Haryana's youth have been handed over to outsiders. Hooda also claimed institutions and infrastructure created during the Congress regime are being systematically dismantled.
He presented a stark assessment of the BJP's eleven-year tenure. Hooda stated the government failed to establish any new medical college, major industry, university, railway or metro line, or IIT. He said they attracted no significant investment to the state.
Soaring Debt and Agricultural Concerns
Despite this lack of development, Hooda reported Haryana's debt has surged dramatically. He said debt accumulated from 1966 to 2014 totaled Rs 60,000 crore. In just eleven years under BJP rule, this debt has reportedly exceeded Rs 5 lakh crore.
Later, addressing a press conference, Hooda criticized agricultural policies. He said the BJP promised to double farmers' income by 2022 but instead increased their input costs.
Women's Welfare Scheme Controversy
Hooda accused the government of misleading women in the name of welfare schemes. He recalled the BJP's election promise of Rs 2,100 per month to all women. Now, he claimed, the benefit is limited to a small section of women.
The Congress leader presented specific numbers to support his argument. He stated that in 2024–25, around 2.13 crore people in Haryana fell under the BPL category. This implies nearly 85 lakh women should be eligible for the scheme.
However, Hooda alleged the government now proposes to extend benefits to only about 8 lakh women. The amount would be reduced to Rs 1,100, with only Rs 1,000 actually credited. He claimed conditions related to income, children's education, and nutrition were deliberately imposed to exclude most women.
Hooda cited ration card statistics as evidence. He said nearly one crore people received ration cards before elections. Subsequently, about 70 lakh BPL cards were cancelled.
Criticism of MGNREGA Implementation
The former chief minister also criticized changes in MGNREGA implementation. He said the BJP has undermined the rights of Dalits, backward classes, villagers, and panchayats.
Hooda provided specific data about the employment scheme. He noted over eight lakh workers are registered under MGNREGA in Haryana. Yet only 2,100 families received 100 days of work in 2024–25. Unemployment compensation was not paid as mandated by law.
Rising Crime and Media Freedom Concerns
Hooda expressed serious concern over rising organised crime in Haryana. He claimed over 80 gangs are currently active in the state. The Congress leader cited the Social Progress Index, which he said ranks Haryana as the most unsafe state in India.
Responding to media queries, Hooda condemned alleged attempts to intimidate the Punjab Kesari group. He stressed that a free media remains essential to democracy.
Future Political Engagements
Hooda concluded his remarks with news about upcoming political events. He announced that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will address party officials at the training camp on January 21.
The former chief minister's visit to Kurukshetra signals the Congress party's preparation for upcoming political challenges in Haryana.
